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BACKGROUND PurposeBikestation Long Beach is an innovative, public park & ride for cyclists designed to encourage clean trips by encouraging bicycling, walking and trips on public transit. During daily operating hours, Bikestation Long Beach provides FREE, secure indoor bicycle storage, a bike shop offering repairs and accessories sales, rentals for tourists, and an array of information on cycling and commuting, including distribution of the City’s bicycle route map and bike permits.
BackgroundOriginally built in 1996 as part of an 18-month national demonstration project, Bikestation Long Beach was modeled after European and Japanese examples and was the first facility of its kind to open in the U.S. After nine years at this location, the award-winning facility was moved to temporary containers last spring to accommodate a condominium/live-work development. The former facility, which was recycled with parts being used for the new structure, was heralded as one of the top 100 examples of outstanding Long Beach architecture in the recent survey, “Long Beach: The Unexpected Metropolis,” by Mullio and Volland.
DesignThe permanent home of Bikestation Long Beach is being developed across the Promenade from its former site and situated adjacent to the Long Beach Transit Information Center. Fernando Vazquez, a Venice-based architect with an office in Tokyo, designed both facilities.
The new structure consists of two glass pavilions that hold stacking galvanized steel bike racks which feature an easy-to-use system that enables cyclists of any height or strength to utilize the racks; this allows for a maximum number of parking spaces. A convection ventilation system naturally provides temperate conditions in both warmer and cooler seasons; solar rooftop panels provide a significant portion of the facility’s power. The pavilions overlook an existing outdoor amphitheatre used for concerts and community events. The facility is situated under a striking curved arch evoking the feeling of a bicycle wheel. Atop of the arch, the Bikestation logo, a stylized ‘B’, will be lighted and motorized to symbolize the spin—and fun—of motion. Lighting and dramatic interior and exterior signage will further enhance the facade. Members-only BenefitsThe facility’s innovative Global Membership is an advanced entry system that provides members, exclusive 24/7 access to secure, indoor parking and shared-used (loaner) bicycles. Members also receive discounts on rentals (50% off) and retail purchases in the bike shop (10%), invitations to attend free clinics, and bike bucks rewards for frequent bike trips, which can be redeemable for free pizza with Buono’s Pizzeria and bike shop merchandise.
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