Cyclists gain downtown parking site
December 6, 2006 7:26 AM
In about two months, a parking area for bikes, accessible around the clock, will open at the Granada Garage complete with showers, key card access and a repair shop.
The bicycle parking station has been a part of the plan for the beleaguered, recently opened garage since the early stages. It had been delayed until a skilled management team could be found, said Drew Van Hengel, the city's mobility coordinator. That team is a Long Beach nonprofit organization, the Bikestation Coalition.
The Bikestation Coalition operates bicycle parking and related services in Seattle, Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Long Beach. On Tuesday, the council approved a five-year, $125,000 contract with the organization, along with a one-time capital budget fee of $85,234 to pay for such things as lockers, a repair station, tools, signs, an air compressor and computer.
The bike station was the brainchild of Councilman Roger Horton, who learned of the concept while visiting a friend in the eco-conscious city of Berkeley. "If people find that it's easy to use their bike, it's safe and won't get stolen, then it will be a big encouragement for them to get out of their cars."
Mr. Horton said Tuesday that the station is part of the city's response to the "Fossil-free in 2033" campaign, referring to a community challenge to end its dependence on fossil fuels -- primarily oil and coal.
According to Browning Allen, Santa Barbara's transportation manager, cyclists would pay $12 a month or $96 a year to use the station. A key card will give users secured access.
Hoping to encourage those who commute to work from such places as Summerland and Goleta, Rob Dayton, a transportation planner for the city, said he hopes the idea of having showers at the garage will be an extra incentive for those who may feel the effects of the long physical haul.
"If somebody has an important meeting, maybe with the mayor, we want them to know there's a place for them to freshen up."
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MIKE ELIASON?/?NEWS-PRESS