CTA bike parking update

Warm winter greetings, cyclists:

To encourage bicycle and transit use, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began a federally-funded project in July 2008 to provide covered bike parking in highly visible areas of four CTA stations, with double-deck bike racks designed to maximize storage capacity and increase visibility.

Due to maintenance concerns, a rack design was selected with a fixed locking loop rather than another model that featured a longer, movable locking arm.

CDOT has long recommended that bicyclists secure their bicycles by using a heavy duty U-shaped lock, and that they pass the lock through the bicycle frame and at least one wheel. However, when the new high-capacity racks were installed and first became available for use, CDOT received feedback from the bicycling community that the fixed locking loop does not permit locking bikes in this way unless multiple U-locks are used. Since most cyclists do not carry multiple U-locks, the racks cannot accommodate the recommended secure locking practices. Therefore, a modification of these racks is required to make them functional.

Therefore, CDOT, in consultation with the consulting engineer for this project and the rack manufacturer, has requested a cost estimate and timetable for replacing the fixed locking loops with another option that would allow the proper bicycle locking technique.

Please note that given the time necessary for approval of the design modification, fabrication, and shipping, the modification may not be installed until spring of 2009. Signage is planned that informs the public what to expect regarding the design modifications.

CDOT is committed to providing regular updates on the progress of this project, with the first to be provided in 2-3 weeks. Meantime, questions or comments may be directed to CDOT’s Bicycle Parking Program Manager, Christopher Gagnon, at cgagnon@cityofchicago.org.

CDOT thanks the bicycling community for its feedback, which will help to improve this project and provide better facilities for bicyclists in Chicago.

Please feel free to forward this message to people who may be interested.

—

Christopher Gagnon
Bike Parking Program Manager
CDOT Bicycle Program
cgagnon@cityofchicago.org

Warm winter greetings, cyclists:

To encourage bicycle and transit use, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began a federally-funded project in July 2008 to provide covered bike parking in highly visible areas of four CTA stations, with double-deck bike racks designed to maximize storage capacity and increase visibility.

Due to maintenance concerns, a rack design was selected with a fixed locking loop rather than another model that featured a longer, movable locking arm.

CDOT has long recommended that bicyclists secure their bicycles by using a heavy duty U-shaped lock, and that they pass the lock through the bicycle frame and at least one wheel.  However, when the new high-capacity racks were installed and first became available for use, CDOT received feedback from the bicycling community that the fixed locking loop does not permit locking bikes in this way unless multiple U-locks are used.  Since most cyclists do not carry multiple U-locks, the racks cannot accommodate the recommended secure locking practices.  Therefore, a modification of these racks is required to make them functional.

Therefore, CDOT, in consultation with the consulting engineer for this project and the rack manufacturer, has requested a cost estimate and timetable for replacing the fixed locking loops with another option that would allow the proper bicycle locking technique.

Please note that given the time necessary for approval of the design modification, fabrication, and shipping, the modification may not be installed until spring of 2009.  Signage is planned that informs the public what to expect regarding the design modifications.

CDOT is committed to providing regular updates on the progress of this project, with the first to be provided in 2-3 weeks.  Meantime, questions or comments may be directed to CDOT’s Bicycle Parking Program Manager, Christopher Gagnon, at cgagnon@cityofchicago.org.

CDOT thanks the bicycling community for its feedback, which will help to improve this project and provide better facilities for bicyclists in Chicago.

Please feel free to forward this message to people who may be interested.

—

Christopher Gagnon

Bike Parking Program Manager

CDOT Bicycle Program

cgagnon@cityofchicago.org