As the 2011 budget unfolds, cycling advocates are asking the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to put some money aside for increased bicycle parking at SCRD facilities.
Gibsons' resident Jody Schick appeared before the SCRD community services committee on Jan. 20 to point out the glaring lack of appropriate places to lock up bikes at SCRD recreation, park and government facilities.
"What we want to do is stimulate some action to see that essentially some bicycle parking is at a wider range of SCRD lands throughout the Sunshine Coast," Schick said. "It's very inexpensive and it really has a big bang for its buck."
Schick's presentation included an inventory of SCRD parks, offices and facilities that compared vehicle parking spaces to bike parking. The Gibsons and Area Community Centre parking lot holds about 75 cars, but has only two to three spaces for bikes, Schick said.
Schick argued that increasing bike parking would send a message about the SCRD's attitude towards alternative transportation.
"Its sends a clear signal that people who govern these places are really including and thinking about cycling as a way to get to those destination,"
Directors were largely receptive to Schick's request and requested staff to prepare a report investigating bicycle parking at SCRD facilities.
