Remember when the LEED-certified Santa Monica Main Public Library had just one dinky bike rack? That was back in 2006, and I wrote a letter to the Library’s board because I had nowhere to park my bike. The board responded kindly and, some months later, added another set of bike racks — which also quickly filled up.
This time I didn’t get around to writing a letter, but perhaps some fellow SaMo residents did. A brand new shiny set of bike racks have taken over two parking spots behind the library!
I actually saw these racks a while back — but didn’t realize they were bike racks. Apparently, other cyclists didn’t realize these were parking structures either, because last week, the library put up signage reading “NEW BIKE RACKS” to label the things. “We have doubled our bike parking capacity,” say the inviting signs. “Do try them.”
I took a picture of the signs — then parked my bike at the old bike racks as I always do, like a homing pigeon. Still, kudos to the city and the library for showing Library patrons that getting rid of just two car parking spots creates like 20 bike parking spots.
These bike racks also have a polyvinyl coating, meaning that they have soft surface that won’t chip or scratch the bike paint.
Comment by Lumo — June 7, 2010 @ 6:32 pm
Good to know! Though my own bike’s so banged up from my carelessness at this point that the soft surfaces won’t make much of a difference :P More careful cyclists will appreciate it though, I’m sure :)
Comment by Siel — June 8, 2010 @ 8:16 am
Wow. What a great idea. I love it. Designated bike parking areas! Unfortunately the placement of these racks is ignorant. My bicycle was recently stolen, in broad daylight, securely locked to these exact racks… I knew these were in an unsafe location, and while I was at the library, came down periodically throughout my visit to look for an available safe location to lock my bike… the third time was the charm… my bike had been stolen, broad day, security present, security cameras witnessed the whole thing… no library security, library management, or police were interested in reviewing the video surveilance to identify the brazed thieves. Until the planners realize the location of racks in SECURE areas is essential, bicycles will continue to be stolen and riders will decline.
Comment by Mike — June 2, 2011 @ 2:22 pm