Bicycle stairway

Cross-section shapes vary, but are usually either nearly rectangular, V-, U- or L-shaped.

If the stairs do not turn and are relatively short, a flat cross section without sidewalls may suffice.

While most examples of existing bicycle stairs feature permanent or built-in channels, Oregon Health & Science University has invested in the development of a modular, after-market, retrofitting "bicycle gutter" device that was awarded patents in 2011[2] and 2012.

Suggestions for resolving the conflicts include providing a single handrail down the middle of the stairs with gutters at the outside edges, or placing handrails at both edges and placing the gutter in the middle.

[5] Bicycle stairways may have arisen in reaction to wear and compaction beside outdoor stairways where people preferred to roll their bicycle on smooth lawn or soil instead of carrying it or having it bump along the stairs.