PSU Bike Co-op scores $150,000 for new bicycle parking

As part of the Portland Mall Light Rail Project, TriMet has contributed $150,000 toward Portland State’s Bicycle Cooperative, which is intended to help with the construction of new bicycle parking facilities on campus.

In addition to TriMet’s contribution, Portland Metro has also contributed $50,000 to the Bike Co-op for renovation of its current facilities.

Ian Stude, manager of the PSU Bike Co-op, said they are expecting the new facilities to be completed by the end of the calendar year with the hope they will be open for business by winter term 2010.

While the new location for the co-op is not certain, Stude said it is likely that they will make a home within the new campus recreation center. This would put the facility directly adjacent to the new light rail system, in the southwest corner of the rec center.

Stude said the new space will offer between 1,500–2,000 square feet, compared to the current location’s 200 square feet of indoor space, and 500–600 square feet of additional garage space for bike parking.

The new Bike Co-op will offer students an “indoor, secure parking facility,” Stude said.
 
“We haven’t made a certain decision on the type of parking,” Stude added.

This week on campus the co-op had a display of one of their potential parking options, a “double-decker, two-tiered” bike rack.

“The two-tiered bike parking will allow for up to 50 percent more space,” Stude said. “It’s flexible, which gives us the ability to really maximize space [for bike parking].”

Not a grant, the outside financial contribution is part of an intergovernmental relation, according to Stude. He said that the city code requires that a certain number of spaces be allotted for bike parking within the transit mall.

The bike co-op is a campus organization that “offers students a space, tools necessary and instruction to repair and maintain their bikes,” Stude said. They also sell replacement parts, bike lights and locks. Stude said future services could include more retail items such as bags and rain gear, and a pay-for-service repair facility.

Members of the Bike Co-op receive a discount on services. Membership is $15 per year and includes access to repair services, tools and staff expertise on bike repair, as well as access to secure bike parking.

The co-op is currently located at the corner of Southwest Fifth Avenue and Harrison Street, inside the University Center Building’s parking structure. They are open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.