Agencies Install New Bike Facilities

Hmmm, I wonder what these were modeled after

I was just sitting down to write a story about new bike facilities at CALTRANS’ building downtown when I found I’d been partially beaten to the punch by LAist. A lot of what I was planning to write about CALTRANS and the importance of an agency adding better bike facilities such as lockers (completely rented at CALTRANS), bike stands, and showers; LAist already wrote…and less than 24 hours ago:

End of trip amenities is one of the simplest and most effective ways to encourage cycling as a transportation solution and Los Angeles City Hall has just raised the standard.

For those cyclists who don’t work at City Hall, this action is still very significant. It puts the City in a better position to enforce City Code requiring bike parking and showers in new buildings over 10,000 feet and State Law requiring employers of 50 or more employees to offer a cash allowance to those who opt out of employer provided parking.

While secure bike parking and hot showers may look like luxuries and a cash subsidy may look like a gift, when compared to the cost of a parking space for an automobile (LA estimated value $30,000 average) amenities for cyclists suddenly look like a bargain, especially when you factor in traffic congestion relief, health benefits and environmental impact.

Ultimately, LA’s City Hall just got friendlier, not just for cyclists, but for the whole city.