By Fran Korten
Good news for those who like to bike to the Bainbridge ferry, park their bike, and then walk on. According to Marilyn James, Administrative Associate at Kitsap Transit, the newly refurbished Bike Barn is likely to open by mid to late January.
The Barn, which is run by Kitsap Transit, has expanded its capacity, especially for outdoor parking. It now has outdoor bike racks to accommodate 45 bikes, which will be handy for anyone with a bike too heavy to lift onto a hook. Inside the Barn, there are 76 spaces where bikes are put up on hooks, and an additional 3 handicapped accessible spaces. The Barn will have several plugs so bikers can recharge their electric bikes.
There are also 48 lockers for bikers to store their stuff. While the lockers are free, applicants need to put down a one-time deposit.
All bike spaces are free and available on a first come, first served basis. James noted that the previous bike barn had a waiting list of applicants. She hopes the expanded capacity will better meet the need.
The new Barn may meet the need for now. But if the City’s Sustainable Transportation Plan succeeds in helping to significantly increase biking, the demand for bike parking may outstrip even this beautiful new facility.