Secure bike parking to open in Nelson parkade in June

A new bike parking facility at the Nelson parkade will provide owners of bicycles and electric bicycles with security, shelter from the weather, a place to plug in, and freedom from downtown sidewalk parking congestion.

“We want people to feel comfortable riding to work and parking securely,” said Nelson Councillor Jesse Woodward.

The funding for the bike cage was part of the provincial government grant that is paying for the bike route along Third Street and High Street between the bridge and downtown.

Some of the bike parking is in conventional bike racks and some is on the wall, as demonstrated here by Maya Decker. Photo: Bill Metcalfe

Woodward said that currently parking an electric bike downtown can be a problem: Bikers have to first find a spot, then feel confident that their investment of several thousand dollars is secure.

“If you were thinking of maybe buying an electric bike,” Woodward said, “you now know that you can have secure parking.”

Jordan Martin, manager of the Nelson and District Youth Centre which runs the parkade, says the cage will accommodate about 21 bikes, and cyclists have to register with the city and get a fob that opens the locked door. Applicants can go to reception at city hall or email reception@nelson.ca.

She said people can register now and get their fob, but the facility will not be open until mid-June on a date to be announced.

“Then you just come down with your bike, swipe the fob, find an empty slot and lock up your bike, and take your personal belongings with you,” Martin said.