The Utah Transit Authority wants riders to try biking rather than driving to rail and transit stations, so they are offering $60 in giveaways to people that choose not to do so. Some stations come equipped with air pumps and repair stands.
"UTA is giving $40 worth of free bike safety gear and $20 gift cards for electronic bike lockers at transit stations for free as part of an ongoing effort to encourage people to bike to transit stations instead of driving," writes Katie Larsen of Deseret News. "The safety kit giveaways started July 10 and will continue 'as long as supplies last,' said UTA spokesman Remi Barron, and contain a safety vest, two LED bike lights and a bike map."
Unlike the conventional bike lockers that UTA rents for $70 annually, BikeLink lockers rent for a nickel an hour. The fee is deducted from the card which must first be activated. The electronic lockers "were added to six FrontRunner and TRAX stations" last November, according to UTA. Four stations have "air pumps and bike repair stands."
The transit authority is also "in the process of installing 100 vertical bike racks on TRAX trains," adds UTA, for those who want to bring their bikes aboard the light rail trains.
"The kits also are a nod to a 25-year plan to build 1,600 miles of bike lanes, including a trail from Provo to Ogden along FrontRunner (commuter rail) stations, offering alternative forms of travel than just driving to transit stations," writes Larsen.
"The trail helps target the 60 percent of people 'interested but concerned' who want to ride bicycles more often, but are concerned with safety," said Scott Hess, the Wasatch Front Regional Council active transportation planner, referring to a Portland State University cycling study.
Live in the area? Get your kit and cards while they last at the Downtown Salt Lake City Customer Service Office, Ogden Transit Center, or Timpanogos Transit Center in Orem.
Hat tip to AASHTO Daily Transportation Update.
FULL STORY: UTA offers free safety gear to promote biking to transit stations
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