Mayor Slay Signs Bike Parking Bill

Mayor Slay today signed Board Bill 258, which requires bike parking for all new construction or renovation projects of $1 million or more. This legislation, which was introduced by Alderman Scott Ogilvie, evolved from an idea of the Mayor’s Vanguard Cabinet, a group of engaged young professionals and creatives.

Over the last few years, Mayor Slay has been working to make the City more bike-friendly. Two years ago, he signed the Complete Streets bill, which requires the City to consider all types of transportation (including transit, pedestrians, and cyclists) in the design, construction, and maintenance of public transportation projects, improvements, and facilities. Last year, the City opened the region’s first bicycle commuter station. Recently, the City has been refreshing the markings on its current bicycle and “share the road” lanes. Mayor Slay plans to announce an even more comprehensive bike plan in the coming months.

“I thank the Vanguard Cabinet for stressing the importance of providing bike parking,” said Mayor Slay. “This ordinance marks an important step in making our city more bike-friendly. I hope that convenient bike parking will encourage bike ridership, will promote and encourage healthy lifestyles, and will help to reduce the numbers of vehicles on our roadways.”

The number of bike spaces required in each development or rehab is dependent on the number of dwelling units, square footage, or number of employees of the development. Furthermore, bike parking may offset the total number of vehicle off-street parking spaces required under the Zoning Code.