New Bike Racks At Almar
Published Tuesday, September 13, 2011
New Bike Racks At Almar
Peter Scott
One way to encourage more folks to ride bicycles is to facilitate the installation of good bike racks at local shops and institutions. Anyone can do it—no special talent is involved. Simply refer the business to Cory Caletti of the SCCRTC at 831-460-3200.
Until recently, the strip of shops at Almar Shopping Center had an antiquated bike rack that was impossible for me to use. Thinking I might be able to do something useful, I emailed the property manager about a year ago, asking if they might be interested in upgrading their bike rack and noting that our Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission could supply "inverted U" racks at no cost. I received positive replies, both from Carl Sprague (President and CEO of PacCom, the property managers) and Lori Johnson, who represents the owner. They were planning an upgrade, were unaware of the SCCRTC's program, and were interested.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago: workmen were at the site, nearing completion of the upgrade. I heard a woman talking with the workmen, so on impulse I walked over to her, asking if she was Lori. She was, and I introduced myself and thanked her for the bike racks. She was delighted, and said she was just telling the workmen where to install them. As of today, there are five new bike racks, already getting good use. Wonderful!