I’ve noticed some concerning regression in my community these past few months: the removal of bike racks.
One school removed their racks just before kids returned to school this September. The result? Bikes are now chained to fences near the local park.
Yesterday, while picking up a few grocery items, I noticed that the bike rack that’s usually in front of the store was gone. No other rack was provided elsewhere.
Last year, my city removed numerous bike racks along a street that ironically has the only protected bike lanes.
All of these locations are busy with cycling traffic, so the need has always been there for these racks.
I’ve reached out to all these places with no reply, so I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m curious if this has been happening elsewhere.
Time to get involved with your city’s planning process?
Already do. I go to every in-person meeting they offer for public feedback, and I make sure that I’m in contact with our Active Transportation Committee, development people, and have contacted council members.
Could you imagine these places removing car parking with no alternative offered? Seems crazy to remove a bike rack BEFORE installing a new one, if replacing them the goal.