Town Center Destinations in the Lake Tahoe Basin invited to apply until July 31 for low or no-cost bike racks; first two phases of program successfully encouraging more people to ride instead of drive
TAHOE CITY, Calif. (July 7, 2020) – Following two successful phases of the “Bike Racks for Tahoe” program that was introduced to public agencies and businesses in 2018 and 2019, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund will continue its partnership with the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition to offer low or no-cost bike racks to interested centrally-located Town Center locations in the Tahoe Basin. The program is designed to encourage locals and visitors to ride their bikes around lakeside communities instead of drive.
“Increasing secure bicycle parking reduces the rate of bicycle theft, improves the recreational and travel experience, and ultimately makes our community more vibrant,” said Chris Mertens, Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition board secretary. “In the last two years, together with the Tahoe Fund we helped install 340 bike racks with room for over 700 bikes at popular destinations throughout the Basin. Because the bike racks have been so well used, with the Tahoe Fund’s support, we’re excited to be able to expand the program to any organization located in centrally-located Town Centers.”
Grant funding provided by the Tahoe Fund will also be used to support the Bike Coalition’s mobile bike racks, known as “bike valets,” at events around the Basin. Bike valets offer free, safe bike parking to event-goers to encourage them to ride—instead of drive—to concerts, festivals and more.
“Encouraging bicycle transportation has the potential to reduce vehicle emissions and fine-sediment that can affect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity,” said Allen Biaggi, Tahoe Fund board chair. “The Tahoe Fund is committed to helping increase the availability of bicycle parking because it both aligns with our mission and has proven to have a positive impact.”
Public facilities, businesses, schools, or other organizations located within 0.5 miles of designated Town Centers interested in bike racks are invited to check their eligibility and apply by July 31, 2020 online at www.tahoebike.org/racks. Two bike rack options are available, each with a bolt-down or free-standing version. Interested organizations will be selected by the Bike Coalition based on criteria that includes their ability to provide matching funds, experienced or projected bike rack use, and community benefit based on surrounding businesses or services.
The Bike Coalition will be responsible for all ordering, shipping and professional installation of the bike racks on behalf of the selected businesses, with installations expected mid-September 2020.
Learn more at www.tahoebike.org or by emailing racks@tahoebike.org.
