340 new bike racks installed around Lake Tahoe in past two years

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Enjoy cycling but having trouble finding a place to store your bike safely at your planned destination in Lake Tahoe? Or have you needed bike repair while out on the routes? Over the past two years, the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition has spearheaded the installation of 340 new bike racks that provide security for almost 700 bicycles.

With funds coming from the Tahoe Fund and Squaw Valley’s $5 Fridays promotion, the bike group put in 126 of those racks this summer. Also added are two public repair stations that feature a permanent bike stand and tools for common repairs, and five public “fix-it” stations with tools and a pump. They have been installed at businesses and outdoor recreation locations in the Tahoe Basin.

Increasing the amount of bicycle parking and access to free repair stations region-wide encourages residents and visitors to bike which helps reduce vehicle emissions and roadway sediment associated with driving that impact the Lake. Every business that requested racks through the Bicycle Coalition’s short online survey received at least one.

"We have two coworking spaces in North Lake Tahoe—and both are right on the bike path, so promoting bike-to-work commuting for our users makes total sense,” said Megan Michelson, cofounder of Tahoe Mill Collective. “Once we added the bike racks from the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and Tahoe Fund, it made encouraging people to ride to work that much easier. They can lock up without dragging valuable bikes inside the office or leaving them outside in precarious places. For Tahoe's businesses, having consistent, high quality racks out front sends a clear message: We love cyclists!”

“We’re excited to partner with the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition to get more folks out of their cars and enjoying Tahoe on bikes,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “Improving transportation is a critical need in the Basin, so racks that allow people to safely store and lock up their bikes is a win-win.”

The Bike Coalition also upgraded their mobile bike parking (bike valet) equipment, purchased some much-needed supplies, and were able to provide parking for over 600 bikes at six events, including Earth Day, Lake Tahoe Summit, and other community and private events. Bike valet services will also be offered at “Sample the Sierra” in South Lake Tahoe on September 14.

“It's so nice to ride up somewhere and find a bike rack to lock to,” said Gavin Feiger, the president of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition. “We are excited to be able to provide bike racks and repair stations around the Lake as part of our mission to make Tahoe more bicycle-friendly. Huge thanks to the Tahoe Fund and Squaw Valley for the funds to make it happen.”

An interactive map highlighting where racks were installed this year can be found online at tahoebike.org/bike-parking.