BIKE: Prospective Zoning Question

[alan_drake]

These mainly part-time resident condos are tiny (some are 340 ft2 I was told for the Chartres one) and I am not sure if there is any general storage planned for the building.

Having to wrestle your bike up the elevator is one deterrant to use, having to live with it in your tiny apartment is another (some "Quarter Gravy" on the wheels is another).

I talked briefly with the Chartres condo developer and they would be inclined to put the bike storage underground with the cars.  IMO, not as good as "at grade".  Make the bikes easier to access than the cars :-)

Alan

-- "Jeb Boyt" <jeboyt> wrote:
Hi Alan,

I like this idea as an ammenity for the commercial and public spaces.  But, 
I'm not sure why the residents would want or need dedicated bike storage.  
As a resident, unless I had a tandem, I would take my bike upstairs to my 
unit.  Also, if the residents will have access to a storage area inside the 
building, then they could keep their bikes their.  From the developer and 
residents perspective, a general use storage area would be more practicable 
than dedicated bike storage.

Sounds like a great project.  One more reason to think about a visit to NO.

Jeb

----Original Message Follows----
From: "alan_drake" <alan_drake>
To: forum
Subject: BIKE: Prospective Zoning Question
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 00:12:39 GMT


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

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