TriMet opens first Bike & Ride at Sunset Transit Center
July 29, 2010
The 74-space secure bike parking facility helps link cyclists to transit
TriMet today 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.
Local dignitaries participated in the ribbon cutting celebration, including Washington County Commission Chair-elect Andy Duyck, Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten, Bicycle Transportation Alliance Executive Director Rob Sadowsky and Meeky Blizzard from Congressman Blumenauer's staff.
"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.
Future Bike & Rides
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 (ARRA) 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.
Win a BikeLink card
TriMet will be giving away 20 BikeLink cards worth $20 each in a drawing to be held on Monday, August 9. Riders can enter the drawing on trimet.org/bikeandride.