Santa Cruz County Offers Subsidized Bicycle Racks and Parking
Published Tuesday, January 20, 2009
In addition to all of the other work we do, People Power is now helping businesses plan unique and adequate bike parking. Thanks to Ron Goodman's past advocacy on behalf of People Power, there is a city ordinance requiring new businesses to install adequate bike parking. Unfortunately, this bike parking is often hard to use or in remote and unsecure locations. This has more to do with ignorance on the part of architects and developers than it does with malice against cyclists.
Help spread the word. Now businesses that want attractive, usable bike parking can work with People Power to get it right. Well-designed bike parking can add to the beauty of a business's exterior, while attracting cycling customers who don't need expensive car parking.
We can also help businesses take advantage of the County's free bike rack program, Bikes Secure. Through this program, the RTC provides subsidies to install bicycle parking including bike racks and lockers. The Commission has worked with hundreds of private and public organizations, agencies, and businesses to create thousands of new bike parking spaces around the county. In 2008, the RTC successfully renewed funding for this program from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District.
To apply, simply print, complete and send in the Bikes Secure application (guidelines included). Applications may be submitted any time and will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Bicycle Committee.
Our first customer is the New Leaf Market's new Westside location. Thank you New Leaf. For more information, contact Micah at 831-425-0665.