BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Hundreds seems like too much unless you build some sort of bicycle vending machine to maximize use of space. I'd rather see something for maybe 50 bikes that can be installed in more than one place... possibly tied to some other transit infrastructure like a dedicated enclosed bus transfer depot.

3rd ave garage is about to have about 30-40 secure spaces go online for ~$100/yr in addition to the 30-40 free spaces.

That's very interesting to hear. So, this is the second instance of paid parking for bikes downtown after the Century Building, or is there more?

This is the second instance. The Parking Authority really enjoyed working on this project with us so hopefully they're energized to do more in the next year or two.

Baby steps, I guess. That's still a bit of a hike from Fifth and Grant, but not too awful. I'll have to check it out when it becomes available.

I like the location and idea. I even thought a little about packing more bikes in. If many/most didn't care about in/out privileges during the day, maybe you could beef up, retrofit and re-purpose dry cleaning conveyors?? I think you're maybe about 2 years ahead of your time right now. Now bike lanes, THERE I think is a true case of "if you build it, they will come".

It's interesting. Before we worked to beef up bike parking at 3rd Ave Garage there were only 8 bike racks that parked 16 bikes. Now there are something like 15-20 free racks open to the public and nearly all 30-40 of the spots are taken. We believe that within a couple of months of the forthcoming announcement that the additional secure parking will be bought up. In short, we're finding the same thing with bike parking as we're finding with bike lanes, which is of course if you build it they will come. Check it out when you get the chance! http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikepgh/sets/72157631628100770/

Seems like something associated with/connected to the Steel Plaza T station (Sixth and Ross) would have (would make) made a butt-load of sense. Bikes should "occupy" some of that space ;) The Third garage facility looks awesome.

I'll second the steel plaza suggestion. Will check out the flickr pics at home. Pleased to see my intuition that most bicyclists are as cheap as me being proven wrong on bike parking... the more "if you build it they will come" things we can build, the better.

My employer provides a cage in a parking garage free of charge. It's a massive perk and would be a huge factor if I were ever to consider moving jobs. Storing my bike there allows me to leave stuff on the bike (lock, helmet, rain pants, yoga mat, extra pannier for grocery shopping etc.) during the day, it's quite nice. Not trying to gloat, but it's made me actually excited about working downtown, and other employers/programs like this would help breathe some life back into this often barren neighborhood.

Nice idea. Old buildings could use this as a draw for smaller, younger companies, and it'd be a nice addition to that building. Interestingly enough, Wikipedia (adjust your trust accordingly) says the Union Trust Building is currently being remodeled as a LEED certified building. Your garage couldn't hurt that process. I'd also think that the building Oxford is considering remodeling or demolishing on Smithfield (sitting between Fifth and Forbes) would be a good candidate.

being able to bring my bike into my office was a HUGE factor in my decision to rent office space when i decided to relocate to downtown.

More downtown bike parking sounds GREAT! Thank you Bike PGH for working with the city on this. Any updates on Shadyside/Walnut? The meters have been gone for a while. I know there was a design competition last fall. Does anyone have any updates on the project? I tied to a crummy parking sign earlier today while I had coffee in the neighborhood.

Perhaps we should hold a competition to design a quick on-street bicycle parking implementation strategy

Pseudacris wrote:Any updates on Shadyside/Walnut? The meters have been gone for a while.

seriously. and bike parking on copeland would be great. between the bars, starbucks, and yoga, often the only place to lock up within a block is the cable holding up the electrical poles.

I'm still baffled why there was not bike parking at the port authority garage in Shadyside. Know of any plans to add bike parking there, secure or otherwise?

Benzo wrote:I’m still baffled why there was not bike parking at the port authority garage in Shadyside. Know of any plans to add bike parking there, secure or otherwise?

I add this because there is almost no bike parking in shadyside by walnut st last time I was there. I'm assuming some of those new staple racks have been put up in the mean time.

last update i got on shadyside was that they are in the final hoops to jump thru. This is the email address associated with the project to ask for updates. shadyside.bike.corral@gmail.com

These better be some drop dead gorgeous bike corrals for them to have taken this long to be installed.

Thanks, Erok! I had checked the Shadyside Action Coalition web site a few days ago....will try this email address...

They have to go through a few different approval processes, including the arts commission, so I can see how it'd be s-l-o-w.

These better be some drop dead gorgeous bike corrals for them to have taken this long to be installed. +1

What about the Strip District? Is there any effort being expended there? I always have a helluva time finding a place to lock up, especially now that the parking meters are gone. I can 311 it, but if something is already happening, I don't want to pile on.