SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Sept. 10, 2019 – Year two of an initiative spearheaded by the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition with grants from the Tahoe Fund and Squaw Valley’s $5 Fridays promotion resulted in the installation of 126 new bike racks at businesses in the Tahoe Basin this summer. In the past two years, over 340 new bike racks that provide security for nearly 700 bikes, 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 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, 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.
The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization with a mission to make Tahoe more bicycle friendly. LTBC promotes opportunities for more people to ride bikes in Tahoe, produces the most comprehensive printed and online bicycle maps for the Tahoe region, co-hosts the annual Lake Tahoe Bicycle Challenge each June, and advocates for bicycle safety. Learn more at tahoebike.org.
The Tahoe Fund was founded in 2010 to work with the private community to support environmental improvement projects that restore lake clarity, enhance outdoor recreation, promote healthier forests, improve transportation and inspire greater stewardship of the region. Through the generous support of private donors, the Tahoe Fund has leveraged more than $2 million in private funds to secure more than $40 million in public funds for more than 30 environmental projects. The projects include new sections of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway, restoration of watersheds, removal of aquatic invasive species, forest health projects, public beach improvements, and stewardship programs. Learn more at www.tahoefund.org.