BIKE: Prospective Zoning Question

[alan_drake]

I am involved (mainly promoting more streetcars but also working with the Bicycle Coalition in New Orleans) with public comments on developing the Riverfront area of New Orleans (mainly immediately downriver from the French Qtr. & Upriver from the CBD).

One item is high end residential condos and apartments.

We want all buildings to have underground parking (just OKed for 5 story development on Chartres near Frenchman in the Marigny despite our high water table).

Commerical preferred on ground floor to keep street life alive.

My idea, at ground level secured parking for bikes (some will be trikes I suspect) for residents and a minimal # of public bike spaces outside unless there is commerical space as well.

I am thinking of a large, locked walkin "closet" close to a door.

Many/most residents will be part-time rich people (often semi or fully retired) (and corporations) who like the New Orleans experience (and food !).  One developer said that he thought the market was for 8,000 to 12,000 of this type.

Clean, modern "safe" space close to the "action", but a bit seperate from actually living here. (these peopel have ruined the Qtr. BTW).

Anyway, that is the background.

How MANY bike parking spaces should be required in secure residential parking ?

My though is 2/3 of one for each apartment, regardless of # of bedrooms.  Others think 1/2 space /apartment.  Do trikes take up 3 spaces ?

A bikeway will be part of the Riverfront promenade and the Marigny will be getting quite a few bikeways in other develoipments (~$4 million for bikes in latest bond issue).  Bikes are seen as an alternative to more cars (= poison to our established urban lifestyle).

Any thoughts or feedback ?

Thanks,

Alan