Below are the first 10 and last 10 pages of uncorrected machine-read text (when available) of this chapter, followed by the top 30 algorithmically extracted key phrases from the chapter as a whole.
Intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text on the opening pages of each chapter.
Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
Do not use for reproduction, copying, pasting, or reading; exclusively for search engines.
OCR for page 37
38
Initially, RTD purchased 200 lockers for a bike parking demon-
stration project at a cost of $500 to $600 per locker. These lockers
required assembly and had several maintenance and security short-
comings. The outsides of the lockers were made of plastic laminate,
which tended to deteriorate over time. The lockers also had shared
walls, which consisted of foam core or fiber board. These materials
were easy to damage and could be broken to vandalize bicycles
stored in adjacent lockers. RTD now uses higher-quality bicycle lock-
ers that cost approximately $1,000 each. They come as one piece (no
assembly required) with no external or internal frame, no seams or
joints on tops or side walls, and are made of nonflammable, durable
plastic composite material. As such, there are no shared walls between
units.
RTD offers two types of locker use agreements: lease lockers and
first-come, first-served lockers. For both types of use, bicyclists are
required to fill out a form with basic personal information and pur-
chase an RTD padlock ($20) (see Figure 34). Leased lockers are
more difficult to vandalize and use inappropriately because each
locker is assigned to a single individual. However, these lockers are
not used at all times by their lease holders, so the capacity is not used
as efficiently as possible. First-come, first-served lockers allow any-
one to use a locker if they obtain an RTD lock. However, RTD has
had problems with vandalism and illegal storage of personal posses-
sions and trash in first-come, first-served lockers, because they are
left open (unsecured) when not in use.
Security concerns since the March 2004 Madrid train bombings
have also affected RTD's bicycle locker program. Public receptacles
are not allowed within 250 ft of train platforms; therefore, first-come,
first-served lockers must be clear of this area. Alternative locker
designs have been considered to overcome security concerns about FIGURE 34 Regional Transportation District padlock.
lockers located close to train platforms, such as those made of per-
forated metal and those with security windows. However, these
designs allow potential thieves to see the bicycles that are being
stored. As a result, bicyclists with more expensive bicycles do not like MAINTENANCE
to use this type of locker.
King County Metro Transit makes sure the locks on bicycle
RTD is considering electronic locks to address several first-come,
first-served issues. An electronic lock system would allow bicyclists to
lockers are working at least once per year. They also ask
access any locker that is available on a first-come, first-served basis, renters to report immediately any lock problems to the Bicy-
while keeping the locker unit secure even when not in use. In addition, cle Alliance, which manages the bicycle locker program. If a
the electronic lock system could make it possible for RTD to track the
frequency and length of use of lockers. This would help the agency
problem occurs, the agency has an annual contract with a lock
determine where more lockers were needed. Information from the company for lock replacement and repair, and the transit
electronic lock system could also help the agency identify people who agency's maintenance crew is also available to assist if needed.
leave a bicycle in the locker for longer than the maximum-allowed
length of time and could help reveal locker-use behavior that could
indicate a security threat. Various types of access "keys" are available: Most agencies reported minimal maintenance costs for
physical (metal) keys with an electronic I.D., swipe cards or proximity bike parking facilities. However, if an agency has problems
cards (like a credit card), and key pads.
with racks or lockers becoming damaged, this can result in
higher maintenance costs. One agency recommended that
high-quality racks and lockers be purchased up-front to help
reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run. One agency
that was responsible for maintaining bicycle lockers was frus-
trated with cleaning the insides of the lockers, removing graf-
fiti, and keeping the lockers in general working condition.
STAFFED BICYCLE PARKING (BIKE STATIONS)
Staffed bicycle parking facilities provide another innovative
method of integrating bicycles with transit, and in supporting
bicycle transportation in general. The concept for staffed
bicycle parking originated in Europe and Japan, and is a com-
prehensive approach to providing everything the bicyclist
needs in one location. A typical staffed bicycle parking facil-
FIGURE 33 Bicycle locker located at light rail stations, park- ity can include secure indoor bike parking, a repair shop, bike
and-rides, and transit hubs throughout the Denver region. sales and rentals, car sharing services, changing rooms, route
