Watch this unused space transform! Complete set can be viewed on Flickr

City, Parking Authority, BikePGH transform space in Downtown’s 3rd Ave Garage into a bike parking facility

Today, the Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s office announced a new bike parking facility, developed with BikePGH and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, as part of the Mayor’s Project Pop Up: Downtown.

The new facility offers 50 new parking spaces for cyclists. This project transformed an unused space on the ground level of the Pittsburgh Parking Authority’s Third Avenue Garage – located only a block from Market Square – into a much-needed bike parking facility for cyclists. The bike station includes two areas: a free, public area that offers a bike fix-it station and space for approximately 30 bikes, as well as a premium parking area available by annual lease ($100/year) that offers secure, weather-protected storage lockers and parking for up to 24 bikes.

“Providing cyclists with safe, secure parking for their bikes is another step forward in making Pittsburgh a world-class, bike-friendly city,” Ravenstahl said. “Project Pop Up: Downtown has made great strides in increasing Downtown’s vibrancy and bringing more people into the heart of our city. This collaborative project will make shopping, dining and entertainment amenities more accessible to cyclists as we continue to make Pittsburgh an even more livable city for everyone.”

“This station is a life saver,” says a cyclist who was able to repair his flat on the Fix-It Station and get home.

Led by BikePGH, this project was made possible thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Mayor’s Project Pop Up: Downtown program, $7,200 from the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, and the donation of parts and labor by the PSX Group, one of the Parking Authority’s systems contractors, worth $4,200.

“We’ve loved working on this project. Not only does it stay true to the spirit of the Mayor’s Project Pop Up program by taking an underutilized space and making it vibrant and interesting, it addresses a true need in the heart of Downtown,” says Scott Bricker BikePGH Executive Director. “The Third Avenue Bike Station shows off the City’s dedication to bike transportation and sustainability, while helping Pittsburghers save a few bucks and stay healthy.”

The Third Avenue Bike Station provides the city’s growing cyclist population with a protected and safe space to park their bikes. Bicyclists may choose from two parking options:

Free Bicycle Parking

The free-use public component contains room for approximately 30 bicycles, a bike Fix-It station and a colorful tile mosaic on the floor in a fun, retro video game design thanks to local architect Lucia Aguirre.

Premium Bicycle Parking

The premium fenced-in section includes spaces to be sold to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. An annual season lease is for one year, beginning July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. Cost is $100 per year. Approximately 24 bikes are able to park in the premium area, which includes lockers. Access to this secured area is via a magnetically locked door, which is opened through the use of a proximity badge. Interested residents are asked to call 412-560-2504 for more details.

“This is a much-needed amenity and we appreciate Mayor Ravenstahl, the Parking Authority and Bike Pittsburgh for working collaboratively and hope to see more of these projects in public and private garages throughout Downtown to meet the demand of our growing cycling community”, states Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

Article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Article in the Pittsburgh City Paper

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Not a member of BikePGH? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bikepgh.org/membership