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BikeLid: Bike-in-a-box security for North Austinites?
Tom Wald posted this story to the BicycleAustin forum earlier today, about a new method of securing bicycles at the Capital Metro North West Austin Park and Ride. Annick Beaudet of the city's Bike and Pedestrian program was instrumental in getting the product on a trial-basis. Thanks Annick!
WATCH: Capital Metro tests new way to secure bicycles
10:15 AM CDT on Tuesday, April 14, 2009
By NOELLE NEWTON
KVUE NewsCapital Metro is testing a new way to stop a growing bike theft problem -- called the BikeLid.
"Some people may be apprehensive about leaving their expensive bikes here all day. So this is another way to encourage them to give it another try," said Capital Metro Spokesperson Misty Whited.
Whited says Capital Metro staff saw the product in other big cities and decided to give it a try at the Northwest Austin Pavilion Park and Ride location.
The directions are on the lid. A cyclist can park their bike inside, shut the lid and lock it with a cable or U-lock.
City of Austin Bike Program Manager Annick Beaudet helped Cap Metro get the product. She says she would like to see it used all over the city and that the cover is the key to keeping the thieves away.
"It's not only the bike as the whole it's the individual parts as well. In this building we've had thefts of seats only, handlebars only, they can be selective," Beaudet said.
KVUE News showed cyclist Allison Hartless a picture of the BikeLid. She says the contraption looks like a hassle, but she isn't writing it off.
"It could cut down on theft if enough people use them," Hartless said.
The sample was free, but the city paid $400 for shipping. Each one goes for between $800 and $1,000. Capital Metro plans to test the product for 6 months. The goal is to put a couple at each of their 14 locations.
To offset the price they may use the space on the cover for advertising. The city may be able to make the purchases with grant funds.
I catch my bus downtown at Guadalupe and 4th so if I can't get my bike on the bus I'd leave it at Mellow Johnny's, but this seems to be a good solution for those northern Austinites who bring that third of fourth bike to the bus stop.
Up north (183 and oak knoll) there is one. I never think about looking up to it, because I actually have to ride to work after I get off the bus, if I ride the bus. Interesting for sure, I would like to maybe use one, one day, but to be honest they are a bit bulky. Not sure if they'll make it or not.
~oneLescar
~ people always talk about my drinking, but never my thirst