Bike Parking: the missing factor

OK, admittedly this is an extreme situation. The cyclists who left these bikes all know each other--we can only hope--but this image illustrates an important point.

On the street pictured here we see many cars, taking up approximately 200 square feet (10 feet by 20 feet) of space each. (And certainly many more cubic feet.) You could transform one--just one--vehicle space into a bike parking area that could accommodate this entire stack. And clear the sidewalk so cyclists aren't unnecessarily antagonizing pedestrians.

Many casual, recreational or competitive cyclists would consider biking to work, but are understandably anxious about where to leave their often pricey bikes. As I write on my bike commuting tips site:

Many employers show no hesitation about creating enormous parking lots, at a cost of $15-25,000 per space, for their workers' cars. It's amazing--and sad--that these same employers vigorously resist creating bike parking areas. One automobile space could be converted to create parking for 10-12 bicycles.

It will be a better day for everyone when safe, secure bike parking is as ubiquitous as vehicle parking throughout our communities.

Image: Web capture
Visit: Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips Site