If a city wants more people to commute by bike and leave their cars at home, how about providing a secure place for them to lock up when they arrive at their destinations? Private investors in New York City and Toronto’s city government are both currently addressing that necessary bit of lacking infrastructure.
In New York, where bicycle theft is bad enough that the Kryptonite lock company dubs their burliest effort the “New York City,” private investors hope that a bikes-only parking lot will be the answer. Daniel A. Biderman, president of the 34th Street partnership, has already found a Midtown location – on West 33rd Street between Eight and Ninth Avenues.
The parking lot would initially provide 100 spots, with the ability to expand as demand increased. An attendant would keep the facility secure and the bikes safe. There would be a monthly fee for regular users, but also some free spots for short-term visitors.
The missing piece for the lot is a title sponsor, which comes with a $200,000 price tag. McDonald’s fills that role for a similar program in Chicago. In addition to secured parking, Chicago’s bike station offers commuters showers and a locker.
Toronto’s city government has a similar idea for a bike storage facility to be located near Union Station. As Councillor Adrian Heaps told the Star, "We can’t meet the demand there now. People are locking their bikes to trees, posts, stop signs, other bicycles."
The storage facility, which could be operational by May, will initially store up to 200 bikes. Users will access the facility by having their cards electronically scanned. Fees are still to be determined, but are expected to consist of a low annual membership.
If the facility proves popular, as it certainly will in bike-friendly Toronto, the city will consider adding showers, changing rooms, and even a staff of bike mechanics.
Photos via flickr by striatic & Lex in the City.
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