The area’s bike community has long clamored for better parking facilities from the powers-that-be in city and county government.  A recent post from L.A. StreetsBlog complained about the risks of parking bikes in Downtown L.A. — the problem being the bikes may be intentionally removed by property owners.

Metro has had its own challenges with bicycle parking. In particular, there has been a dearth of lockers and racks at busy transit stations where demand has clearly exceeded supply.  Riders have had to take their chances hitching their two-wheeled steeds to anything that doesn’t move, including station railings, trees and sign posts – all to the chagrin of the agency’s facilities and rail operations departments.

Improvements are on the way.  Metro’s Bicycle Planning team recently completed a contract to add 224 new bicycle lockers at 14 transit stations where demand for bicycle parking is the highest.  That number almost doubles the agency’s current bike locker facilities, bringing the total to more than 500 systemwide.  Bicycle racks are also being added to stations where the need is greatest on an ongoing basis.

New lockers are now officially available at these stations:

Metro Orange Line
Sepulveda – 4
Woodley – 8
Balboa – 12
Reseda – 8

Metro Red Line
North Hollywood – 32
Universal  – 16
Wilshire/Vermont – 16
Wilshire/Western – 16

Metro Green Line
Norwalk – 32
Aviation – 16

Metro Gold Line
Memorial Park – 16

El Monte Bus Station – 16
(Another 16 are planned following new station construction)

Artesia Transit Center — 16

If you’re a bike commuter, now is the time to reserve your locker! Lockers are available for rent by calling 213-922-2660 and cost $24 for a six month period. A refundable key deposit is also required. The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition manages the program.

To download a bicycle locker agreement, visit the Metro Bike web site.