Bike Rack Located

On Wednesday there were three bikes on the rack for only the second time I can remember. On Thursday, there were three bikes on the rack for two days in a row. On Friday, the bike rack was gone. On today, with help from the property managers, I found the rack.

It got moved for safety reasons and it was a bike rider who suggested there was an issue. I'm all for improving safety -- cyclists are vulnerable -- but I haven't learned yet what the issue had been.

I'll tell you what I do see:
- The new location is less beginner-friendly to get into, although getting out is about the same. This is because the new location sits on a block that is surrounded on all four sides by one-way streets. Two of them carry traffic above 35 MPH at that point and Spring Street carries few cyclists.
- The new location feels less secure. The entrance and exits are not as well controlled in the new location -- I showed no one my badge -- and the clutter near the rack provides numerous alibis for being spotted near the bikes.
- The rack obstructs a handicapped spot. I don't know what this does to the lot's standing regarding the code for providing handicapped spaces.
- The entrance is confusing, but I think you can get used to it. However, reaching the rack from the entrance goes against normal traffic flow and presents a significant opportunity for unpredictability and thus accidents between cyclists and motorists. I'd have to go into the entrance again to sort out the safest way to make the entrance while avoiding exiting traffic -- even though that was probably the intent of switching the left and right.

On the positive side:
- Bringing my bike into the office jump-started a number of conversations about riding the bike to work. I had gotten a few bike questions in the old parking deck location, but nothing like bringing the bike up the elevator. I'll probably bring the bike up and down the elevator even if I plan to lock it up in the garage.
- I think I may have found the person with whom we can have a conversation about showers. I've got one pod-mate who would ride to work if there were showers. I know this is a barrier for others as well.
- This has made an interesting story for my blog. It would probably make a good story for the Atlanta Journal Constitution as well. The AJC writer I had worked with on other cycling stories had pitched a few ideas that never came together, but this one has potential.
- Since the old rack was the wheel-bender type, we've got an opportunity to put in some good racks.
- The effort to publicize the new location will help to organize the cyclists who currently commute to AT&T.

The story is getting better.

Commute Summary

Round Trip Distance: 17.1
Number of Cyclists seen: 16
In-bound Route: Lullwater/PATH trail
Out-bound Route: Emory via Clifton
Weather: More cold clouds. At least I could wear shorts. A little rain as I arrived at the office.