Bicyclists meet with DAS to Improve Parking at State Offices

Back in May, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) proposed to cut locks and impound bikes locked to stairwells. But at many state buildings there is no bike parking!

Fortunately bicyclists responded by email and attended a hearing. And DAS listened!

Last week, nine interested bicyclists, including bicycling experts from the Department of Transportation and from Parks and Recreation, met with Linda Penick, DAS Parking and Commuting Services Manager, at the General Services Building (pictured, without bike parking!) to start planning for improved bicycle parking at state office buildings.

There is no set time schedule, but the meeting was really encouraging. The toast racks at the Capitol will disappear (Photo: Jonathan Maus / Bikeportland), to be replaced by staple racks, and hopefully with some located under shelter! At other buildings where there is no bike parking, or the bike parking is invisible, new racks will be placed at or near building entries.

There was also some brainstorming about grander parking schemes, possibly funded by a Transportation Enhancement grant from ODOT.

All in all it was a very positive meeting and we look forward to improved parking facilities for employees and visitors to state buildings. When bike parking is high-quality and plentiful, there will be no worries about cutting locks and impounding bikes.