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Parking and Transportation is in the midst of replacing bike racks on campus. They have gotten off to a great start, but budget restraints are preventing the job from quick completion.
The program to replace bike racks on campus is underway, and at this point, 1,100 of about 9,500 total spaces have been converted from the old, cement anchored blocks to newer, metal racks.
The new racks are designed for 10 bikes, are sturdier and heavier, and unlike the old, cement blocks, they are secured to the ground.
Unfortunately, the cost of the replacement is one of the limiting factors preventing the job from getting done more quickly. The new racks cost $150 each, including installation. But Parking and Transportation only allocated about $7,000 this year for new racks, and because of department budget constraints, new racks cannot be purchased until the approval of the next fiscal year budget.
The other limiting factor in the replacement process is the fact that cement blocks are not always empty when the time comes to replace them. So to eliminate the hassle of replacing racks during the busy school year, Parking and Transportation decided to do the job during the summer when the cement racks are fairly empty. But that means the new racks on campus will be the only new ones you will see until next summer.
So when cost and practicality are combined, it seems the replacement process will be completed in about six years. That's a long time to wait for improved bike parking, but at least the department is making an effort.
Their effort includes trying to increase bike parking in certain areas. They are targeting the residence hall areas as their first priority, and five residence halls have already received new racks.
Unfortunately, they forgot to look at the parking needs outside the Student Union and Old Main. With classes in full swing during the afternoon, bike parking in that area is almost impossible to find. They should have looked to replace racks there first. Hopefully, that area will be high on their "To-Do" list next July.
Staff Editoral
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