An update on the bike cage at Union Street Cafe

It has been moved. And shrunk to half its original size. And is very full.

As you can see, the accessibility issues have not been resolved. You need to lift your bike up onto the sidewalk (no ramp so it can be rolled) instead of being able to enter from behind as the cage is designed to allow, and there is no safe space in the road so you can lock up. It’s too full to lock up easily while you are in the cage. There is still no way for it to be used with a non-standard bike (cargo bike, heavier bike, or one with a trailer).

The two original lock-up spaces are also in use, so clearly there is plenty of demand at this site. As you can see, the non-standard bike with a front rack can’t fit into the rack properly, and another bike is either leaned up against a nearby tree or locked to the street sign just behind it.

Four bikes. Three are locked up on two racks and the fourth is either leaning against a tree or locked to a street sign just behind the tree.

Note what isn’t there. Both sides of Crichton Street have on-street parking for the entire length of the block. there are more bicycles than cars, but they are forced into a narrow space beside the sidewalk, and must be lifted into place. Union has on-street parking on only one side; again, more bicycles than cars, and in far less space.

This is a disappointing outcome, but better than the complete removal of the cage simply because of a complaint. Bike Ottawa will continue to monitor and advocate for better parking here and elsewhere. It’s the best way to encourage people to use their bikes for everyday activities and help revitalize the downtown by bringing people to businesses, in accordance with the Transportation Master Plan.