Berkeley Parents Network: Biking to School

Berkeley Parents Network

Biking to School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Berkeley Public Schools > Berkeley High School > Biking to School

Sept 2001

Parking is a big issue in downtown Berkeley. However, one sector rarely raised is bicycle parking and bicycle parking theft. Bicycle riding is good exercise, non-polluting, space saving *compared to car parking), and yet, not promoted, or supported. My son, in his first week of school aat bhs had parts stolen off his bike. We're taking a chance since during school his bike is parked for 7 hours a day in the same spot, an easy target. What can be done? Anyone out there on the Planning Commission? Yolanda

The garage on Central has bike racks. I do not know if it cost money to park a bike at the garage, but the bikes are in view of the attendants at the garage. Angela

re:bike riding to BHS. My older son used to park and lock his bike in the bike racks at the police station or right out in front of the courthouse or City Hall. He used one of those U shaped locks and took his helmet with him. Wfred

BHS is purchasing 40 bike lockers for teachers and 20 for students that will be placed on the lower courtyard (outside the Good Food Cafe). These lockers are the type you see at BART stations, and should provide protection from theft and theft of parts. While the 40 for teachers is probably about enough for us, the 20 for students is clearly just a start. I would suggest that (parents of and) students who ride to school let the administration know how many of them ride and ask for more lockers. Perhaps a petition could circulate with "I'll use the locker..." type wording. With the BUSD budget where it is, additional lockers probably won't be purchased soon, but maybe will be able to be placed in some sort priority list. Lee

There is a secure and attended bike station at downtown BART. It's open from 6.00 am to 9.30 pm on school days. It's run by the Bicycle-Friendly Berkeley Coalition (BFBC) as a free community service and they safety check bikes for free as well on Fridays. They welcome BHS bikes so long as the kids are respectful, pick up the bikes themselves, etc. For further information call 549-RIDE (7433). BFBC is supported by memberships (money or volunteering), for which you get an excellent newsletter. Call 898-0864 for further information. Roger

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