This community has a lot of posts about the means of mobility, so I was reminded of this article about how bike racks have changed over the decades, at least ones that show up in the USA.
More micromobility options means racks will have to evolve to meet new needs, like accommodating cargo ebikes and the like. I post this so that everyone knows that better bike racks do exist, as many destinations have the older, terrible styles that were barely usable. Where you can, advocate for better bike racks and everyone will benefit!
Sheffield racks are the peak of bicycle parking designs as far as I’m concerned. Basically the upside down U-design, but wider, providing multiple locking points, and allowing a slight lean to balance the bicycle upon.
They’re good but my front wheel ofter twirles and wants the whole bike to fall down, especially if the rack is on the short side.
Ideally, they should be about top tube-height.