Downtown property managers report being happy with their investment 

If you regularly bike Downtown you may have noticed some new bike racks and significant upgrades at some prominent locations. Regional Vice President of Winthrop Management, Thomas Harrington, who manages Pittsburgh’s tallest building, the U.S. Steel Tower has seen the demand for bike parking steadily on the rise.

The Three Rivers Bike Racks on the sidewalk near the building’s plaza are regularly used and bike messengers typically just leave their bikes free standing near the building’s entrance. Mr. Harrington wanted to provide parking for visitors that was closer to the entrance than the Three Rivers racks, but that would not conflict with foot traffic.

The design of the rack was also a priority for the veteran Pittsburgh property manager. He opted for Dero’s Downtown Rack, powder coated with a satin black finish. The placement of the rack near the entrance to the plaza works well given that the 12 new bike parking spots are almost always full. The day he was contacted for this article Mr. Harrington reported 13 bikes were parked there indicating demand has already surpassed supply. Looks like it’s time to order some more racks.

Winthrop Management also addressed the growing demand for bike parking for people who work in the building. Outdoor bike parking is perfect for quick visits and meetings, but if you want to park a bike long term there’s more to consider than just whether or not the bike rack is located in a convenient location. These folks need a location that’s both sheltered from the elements and a bit more secure.

To accommodate bike commuters, Winthrop installed Ultra Space Savers on two floors of the parking garage beneath the building, conveniently located next to the elevators. It’s easily accessible by permitting bike users to access the elevators through the front lobby of the building. This sends a clear message to tenants at 600 Grant Street that bicycles are welcome.

Just across Grant Street and down the block towards the County Courthouse, the new Jimmy John’s sandwich shop made certain their bicycling customers and delivery people had a convenient place to park. They installed several Bike Hitches right out in front of their door. The Bike Hitch hearkens back to the old west when cowboys would tie their horses up just outside their favorite watering hole.

At the other end of the Golden Triangle

Gateway Center property manager Suzanne Murin felt it was time to upgrade their bike parking facilities to better reflect the venerable downtown property. The Gateway Center Garage replaced a grid or “toaster” style bike rack with eleven Hoop Racks on Rails. When Ms. Murrin inquired about adding bike parking to the garage she learned that toaster racks are among the least preferred by bicyclers. She didn’t hesitate to replace it with something she knew people would prefer.

Now there’s space enough to park twenty two bikes at the entrance to the garage.  The spot is sheltered and located directly in front of the security office. She also added an Air Kit to one of the racks.  According to Ms. Murin, “We consider the [Hoop racks and Air Kit]  a great success because it is well-utilized and we have not had any complaints”. She’s already thinking about her next bike parking upgrades.

If you manage or own a business or property and want to find out more about how you can meet the growing demand for bike parking and provide desirable bike amenities to your employees and tenants contact BikePGH for assistance at 412.325.4334 or racks@bike-pgh.org.

Get ready for BikeFest, a fifteen-day celebration of bicycling, August 5th-19th. The activities kick off with Pedal Pittsburgh on August 5th’ which includes a car-free section and a  finish line festival. On August 10th the Bike Fest Party returns to the Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip District.