I try not to gloat when I hear people complaining about the parking trials, especially considering that once construction of the VacaValley expansion project starts I may not have the privilege of in-the-office parking.

Our offices are scheduled for demolition early on in the project. There is currently limited bike parking next to the employee entrance. There is room for about three bikes. Sometimes that bike rack is fully occupied. I have had employees tell me that they were forced to find alternative parking indoors.

I am about 90 percent certain that when construction begins that bike parking spot will go away. I am encouraging users of that bike rack to let their bosses know that bike parking is important to them so that resources can be found to secure replacement bike parking. There are bike racks located elsewhere, between the hospital and the medical office building. But the location is far from ideal due to lack of security there. Any bike left there for long would be subject to vandalism or theft.

My recommendation is make those bike racks secure by adding a fence, gate and cover it from the elements. It will be a challenge to find the financial resources to make that happen in our current budgetary climate. It will most likely happen only if employees voice their concerns and ask for it. 

Facilities managers are aware of the cost of building and maintaining car parking. Estimates range from $4,000 to $8,000 for the cost of the land and to build and maintain one parking space. The cost to provide secure bike parking would probably not exceed the cost of one parking space.

I should remind employees that NorthBay does have both secure bike parking and employee showers. The bike parking is located in the backyard of the Lowe Court house and is behind a locked gate accessible using the universal employee code. You need to bring your own U-Lock or heavy cable. The employee showers are located on the second floor off the main hallway.