Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Santa Monica

New Parking at Santa Monica College: Not Just for Bikes

IMG_20130209_143543.jpg

Riding on Pearl Street a few weeks ago, I noticed preparations for a new bicycle parking lot.   This past Saturday, before Santa Monica College students returned for the spring, I had a chance to check out the new bicycle parking.  I was surprised to see not only bike parking, but other parking and amenities for those who travel to Santa Monica College without a car.

Our Santa Monica weekly column is supported by Bike Center in Santa Monica.

Unlike the college's large automobile parking structures, which are accessed via Pico Boulevard, the new bicycle parking is right off of Pearl St., one of Santa Monica's primary east-west bike lane south of the 10 Freeway.

I estimated around 200 new U-racks with good spacing between each.  These new racks will accommodate around 400 additional bicycles.  With 32,626 students enrolled last semester, Santa Monica college needs as much parking as it can fit on campus. By fitting space for 400 bicycle commuters and 20 skateboard commuters on land that could accommodate roughly 15 parked cars, the choice for the type of parking  should be obvious.

IMG_20130209_143725.jpg
 I was surprised to see that parking not only for bikes, but also for skateboards:
IMG_20130209_143821.jpg
IMG_20130209_143558.jpg

After looking at some of the existing bicycle parking, I think those students who value locking their bikes to two points of contact will relish the new racks.

IMG_20130209_143855.jpg
IMG_20130209_143919.jpg
In addition, Santa Monica College has provided two repair stands with tools and a pump.
IMG_20130209_143701.jpg
Is this new bicycle and skateboard parking and repair facility enough to commit cycling culture at SMC?  I don't think so, and SMC doesn't think so either, which is why the new facility is just one part of a multifaceted plan.  Glancing at the first few pages of the Spring 2013 Schedule of Classes hints at SMC's commitment to cycling.  Will biking become as large a part of SMC culture as it is at UC Davis?   If so, this will be a huge victory for retrofitting a campus and surrounding community to support cycling.   Much of the City of Davis's growth in the 1960s and beyond purposefully accommodated cycling.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

SGV Connect 133: Introducing StreetSmart

Have you checked out StreetSmart? Here's some clips from our first three episodes.

February 6, 2025

Planning Department Releases Measure HLA Implementation “Standard Elements” Draft

The city is working to clarify exactly what minimum bus/bike/walk improvements are triggered by Measure HLA

February 5, 2025

Op-Ed: How Transit Agencies Are Tackling America’s Public Bathroom Crisis

Lack of public restrooms can be a barrier to using transit — and a devastating problem for those who have no choice but to ride. This company is trying to solve the problem.

February 4, 2025
See all posts