Bikestation

Bikestation is a non-profit organization based in Long Beach, California, with secure bicycle parking facilities located throughout the West Coast. Bikestation specializes in providing 24/7 access facilities, along with other conveniences for bike commuters. At most stations, this includes regional transit access, shower facilities, bike rentals and retail parts, and help with trip planning. Membership is required for after-hour parking in all facilities, and during the day for some facilities.

Bikestation formed as the non-profit “Bikestation Coalition” [1] in 1996, the year it opened its first facility. Bikestation Long Beach was the first facility of its kind in the U.S., and was modeled after similar facilities in Europe and Japan. For example, the Dutch National Railway reportedly manages over 200,000 secure bicycle parking spaces. [2]

Executive Director Andréa White reports that 30% of Bikestation members are former drive-alone commuters who were enticed out of their vehicles by Bikestation’s services. Ms. White, who combines a finance background with a passion for sustainable transportation, has a goal of locating a bicycle parking garage within a half mile of 90% of the nation’s urban bike commuters by 2015. [3]

The original vision for Bikestation was to provide as many services and conveniences as possible for bike commuters. For this reason, Bikestation Long Beach is strategically located on the First Street Transit Mall, a nexus for light rail, buses, shuttle services, and pedestrians. The facility offers attended indoor bicycle parking free during regular business hours, professional repair services, a bike shop, and other conveniences.

Bikestation Branches Out

Since opening its Long Beach facility, Bikestation has sought to replicate this successful concept in other urban areas. Bikestation Palo Alto and Bikestation Berkeley opened in 1999; Bikestation Seattle opened in May 2003. The newest Bikestation, Santa Barbara, opened in 2007. The organization has also partnered with organizations and agencies throughout the country to open similar facilities.

Local operators vary by location and consist of non-profit, for-profit, government, and advocacy organizations. Bikestation’s role in partnerships varies, but typically includes either consulting on facility siting and management issues, operating the facility itself, or partnering with a local operator to provide the membership and access control system for 24/7 parking. Bikestation also offers access to affordable liability insurance, banking and merchandizing systems, marketing, and other collateral materials.

Project partners have included the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, Flexcar (car sharing service now affiliated with ZipCar), City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Pittsburgh, Regional Transit District of the City and County of Denver, Puget Sound Regional Council, City of Cambridge, MA, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the Cities of Santa Monica, Norwalk, Pasadena, North Hollywood and Santa Barbara.