Last week, I wrote the Santa Monica Public Library asking if we could get more bike racks — then I sent the email to all board members individually.
So yesterday, City Librarian Greg Mullen wrote me back, cc’ing the other board members!
Siel,
Thank you for your message about the need for more bike racks at the Main Library. You are not the first to make this suggestion and we have been actively looking for a safe, convenient place to locate some additional bicycle parking. At this point we are considering adding it in the north entry courtyard.
However, your message triggered another idea - to look for space in the parking garage. I perused that area just now and found some possible areas near the parking attendant booth. I will be exploring this idea further with the parking staff and with other city staff, but I would welcome your feedback on the idea of having below-grade bicycle parking.
Thanks again for your thoughtful comments.
Greg Mullen
So — What do you guys think about bike parking in the underground garage? I’m sorta of the opinion that the outdoor racks are more convenient, since you can just lock and go. The underground parking would require you to coast (while braking) down a rather steep parking ramp, lock up the bike, then take the stairs or elevator back up to get to the library… Certainly, I’d be happy for underground parking if it rains, but it like rains twice a year here.
But maybe I’m just lazy? It’s possible that most of y’all would prefer a more secure, underground bike parking option — Lemme know your thoughts :)
Update, 8/26/07: We got more bike racks!!
October 17th, 2006 at 8:57 am
Hey Siel,
Way to inspire some action over there! To get some more biker input, I’m going to double post this….
I’m with you on this, why make bikers, who are doing the city a favor by reducing emissions and traffic, take an extra step, a hassle really, gottta make it easy for people. The lock and go is one of the great advantages to biking…….
October 17th, 2006 at 9:24 am
if there is space in the garage, good, why not even make some of the spots for cars into bike spots?
October 17th, 2006 at 12:00 pm
CHEERS, Siel!
I agree with you: underground parking is less then ideal. I think it’s a nice backup option, but we street level, outdoor parking.
One important benefit of outdoor bike parking is the VISIBILITY: when library patrons see bikes, some of them will inevitably be inspired to bike instead of drive, on their next visit. Promoting patrons to arrive by bicycle is just sound library policy.
The library is not just being kind to cyclists, by addressing the lack of bike parking. The City is on record, on paper, in support of the reduction of car trips and the increase of biking, in their Sustainable City Plan. They have a mandate to do this.
The City of Santa Monica talks the talk, and now they need to walk the walk. Do they or do they not want more people to bicycle for local transportation? Providing secure, convenient, and visible bike parking at all public facilities is a mandatory minimum step in taking the City in this direction. Let them start with the SM Public Library.
October 17th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Another visibility idea - take the first few open spots in the garage (after the spots for people with disabilities) and make those bike parking spots, with a nice healthy sign that says “bikes only.” Driving patrons might think twice about biking after having to pass by the good spots (now I feel a little conniving).
This being said, I prefer outdoor bike parking =)
Mr. Mullen - thanks for keeping the open conversation with your citizens!
October 17th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
Do I get an “assist”? ;)
October 17th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
I am with Summer. Displacing auto spaces for bikes sends a message that will not be unnoticed. Great work. BTW, Sam’s Club sells Fair Trade coffees. Please do not ask how I know this…
October 17th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
I want to echo Zack’s comments regarding visibility with a slightly different point of view. If they creat underground bike parking it won’t be obvious to your typical biker riding up to the library that it exists. Therefore, unadvertised, only the hardcore bikers who frequent the library will be able to find it.
One remedy is to put up a very large sign above ground directing bikers to the underground bike parking. However, again, a typical biker who rides up will be looking for a pole to lock up to and may not notice a sign.
Outdoor bike racks are the correct solution. In addition to promoting cycling by their very presence, they occupy enough visual space so that they are obvious to most. If placed in front of the library the occasional cyclist who does not notice the racks and locks to a pole will notice them upon entering the library and make use of them next time.
Good work Siel,
Alex T
October 18th, 2006 at 2:07 am
hey siel, thanks for taking action and making things happen!
this is something that has frustrated me quite a bit within the design community. as a landscape architect, i often see bicycle parking quantities and locations thrown into the plans last minute…even on leed projects! the l in leed is for *leadership* in energy and environmental design, and i don’t think that there is anything cutting edge about sprinkling a few bike racks around the library outskirts after there is need. how about taking some of the street parking away from the edge of the building, planting trees and designating it all bicycle parking? now that is the type of message that i would like to see my city stepping up to!
but anyways, rant aside, i’m happy to see that there is such a need for more racks. i agree with the great responses already…and i personally do not think that parking bikes in the underground lot is very safe either. it’s an uncommon situation for bikes to be underground and motorists won’t necessarily be looking out for bicyclists down there. i see the importance of integrating bicycles and cars to educate motorists, but through a recent experience of being hit by a car as a pedestrian in venice by a driver not paying attention - i am self-proclaimed safety girl!
October 18th, 2006 at 7:24 am
Driving patrons might think twice about biking after having to pass by the good spots
Some how I doubt it. Most people are just to lazy to cycle. I think that underground parking is a good idea. Then again I come from a country where it rains 2 times a day so it suits me not to be wet.
October 18th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Disagreeable comment here:
How does it make any difference weather-wise whether (pun intended) the bike racks are above or below ground? If they’re above ground you can’t ditch your rain gear until you’re in the library, whereas if they are below ground you ditch your rain gear as you park your bike. I don’t see how this amounts to a serious difference? Your bike is going to get wet when you ride in the wet, so there’s no sense it worrying about it getting rained on a little.