Victoria to open free 'bike valet' service downtown
People who are concerned about the security of their bike while cycling in downtown Victoria will soon be able to park their bike for free at a "coat-check style" valet service.
The city-run service will open Friday, June 24, just outside of city hall by the Pandora Avenue cycling route.
The bike parking will be covered and staff will be at the site seven days a week.
Hours of operation are:
- 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
- 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday
- 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday
- 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday
The city notes that hours may be extended when special events are occurring in the summer.
All types of bikes will be accepted at the valet service – such as cargo bikes and e-bikes – as well as push scooters, strollers, and "other modes of active transportation," according to the city.
Riders can leave their helmets, lights, and other accessories on their bikes as long as they are securely attached.
The location of the bike valet service. (City of Victoria)
'DETER BIKE THEFT'
The municipality says other bike valet services have seen successful in other cities, including two in Vancouver and one in Portland, Oregon.
"The valet service will offer exceptional convenience and peace of mind for those looking to ride downtown, particularly for families, commuters, and visitors,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps in a statement Thursday.
"This pilot project is one of the ways we are working to improve bicycle parking, attract new riders and deter bike theft in the city," she said.
The city has been considering a bike valet service for months, and sought applicants to run the pilot program back in April.
The municipality is also looking to expand its bike parking infrastructure by funding upgrades at the Yates Street parkade, and by installing new covered bike shelters at schools and community centres in the fall.
The valet service will be operated by Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) and Capital Bike, which have operated similar services in Vancouver and Victoria before.
The pilot program will run until early November.
Anyone who uses the service can also sign up for Project 529 Garage, a bike registry and recovery system used by VicPD.
"This service will help attract people to shop, dine, visit, and park their bike downtown with confidence," said Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, in a statement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.