TriMet opens first Bike & Ride at Sunset Transit Center
Written by jrood
TriMet in Portland, Ore., opened its first Bike & Ride facility at the Sunset Transit Center. The Bike & Ride provides secure parking for 74 bikes and helps more cyclists make connections to bus and MAX. The facility features BikeLink keycard access and security cameras.
With tremendous growth in
bicycling in the region, there are limited options for commuters to bring bikes
onto the transit system especially during rush hour. TriMet is following the
model of bicycle capitals around the world, such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen
that rely on bike parking facilities to make the connection to transit work on a
reliable basis.
"This is the first of
a planned regional Bike & Ride network that allows more bicyclists to
connect with transit while providing a secure place to park their bikes,"
said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "We chose Sunset Transit
Center for our first Bike & Ride because it’s one of the most popular
destinations for cyclists to connect to transit, since the West Hills are a
barrier to riding a bike into downtown."
Bike & Ride users pay
for secure parking time just like at a parking meter. Keycards cost $20 and are
good for approximately 10 weeks of daily parking at any TriMet Bike & Ride.
The facility repurposed eight parking spaces at the 630-space garage.
In addition to the 74-space
Sunset Bike & Ride, a 100-space Beaverton Transit Center Bike & Ride
and the renovated 30-space Gresham Central Transit Center facility will be
opening in October. Construction begins at the Beaverton Bike & Ride in
August. Federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act are funding the construction of the three Bike & Rides.
TriMet is using $1.1
million in stimulus funds for the three Bike & Rides, as well as
replacement and refurbishment of 174 bike lockers. This year, TriMet is adding
bike parking for nearly 380 bikes throughout the region.
