LAPD pushes for DTLA 'bike valets' to help curb high bike theft rates
Flickr via whyamiKeenan
After the LAPD launched a coupon campaign to offer discount u-locks, they are now trying to establish a new system of bike valets to help curb Downtown bike theft.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — In reaction to nearly 120 bike thefts in Downtown in the last four months alone, the LAPD has developed a new strategy to help prevent the crimes before they happen: Bike valets.
These systems would work much like a car valet does (but hopefully a little less expensive). Central Division Senior Lead Officer Jack Richter is working with Downtown businesses to develop these valets for cyclists. He explains the process like this: You walk your bike up to a check-in station, receive a claim ticket in exchange for the bike, and are most likely charged a minimal fee.
But would riders actually use a bike valet?
Richter said there are similar systems set up on the Westside that are frequently used by cyclists, and referenced a valet set up at Olvera Street during CicLAvia that was also packed with people. Downtown events like Grand Performances have employed the help of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition to provide a two-wheel valet service at many of their concerts as well.
Richter said restaurants and hotels with car valet systems in place should find it fairly easy to find a secure place to store bikes.
Richter said he is beginning this process by focusing on some of the areas that have a lot of bike theft, and have already gotten two bike shops to sign on to the project. DTLA Bikes on Broadway, and Downtown LA Bicycles on Hill Street, have already agreed to participate, he said.
These stores are also involved with the police department's u-lock coupon campaign, which gives riders a $5 discount on Kryptonite u-locks to encourage them to buy these locks instead of the easily breakable chains. Dan Farahirad, manager of Downtown LA Bicycles, said u-locks start at around $30 and go upwards to $200 or $300.
According to police, nearly every bike that's been stolen in recent months was because a rider had left it unlocked or unattended, or it was secured with a easily penetrable lock. They recommend only using u-locks and locking your bike to a fixed bike rack.
tangertick (@tangertick) on November 16, 2012, at 10:19AM – #1
Big thanks to SLO Jack Richter for making this a priority. Officer Richter has helped the Arts District get a dog park, continues to work with the neighbors in our neighborhood and I'm happy to see this in the works. More bicycle infrastructure would be great, too, like bike corrals to lock up multiple bikes.
tangertick (@tangertick) on November 16, 2012, at 10:36AM – #2
....and even Amsterdam and Copenhagen continue to improve their infrastructure. Some inspiration: http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/12/making-the-bike-as-logic-a-choice-for-commuters-as-the-car-bus-train-or-metro/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Pershing was a square on November 16, 2012, at 01:20PM – #3
People should know to lock their bikes up. I couldn't imagine leaving my bike unlocked anywhere.
DTLA reVamped on November 16, 2012, at 04:08PM – #4
LAPD should set up decoy bikes with tracking devices. I'm sure it will lead them to the thieves and a trove of other stolen bikes.
John G on November 18, 2012, at 09:38AM – #5
Agree with DTLA reVamped.
This is way too many bikes and it is more than likely a few thieves are behind many of these stolen properties. Its time to get rid of these criminals...
kneel28 (@kneel28) on November 20, 2012, at 11:08AM – #6
Pershing: Locking your bike up doesn't guarantee it won't get stolen. Many thieves carry tools for picking even the best bike locks, and I personally know people who've gotten either their entire bike or individual components stolen after locking up.
A bike valet system is a great option for people who need to leave their bikes for several hours at a time. It's the most secure way of storing your bike, and I'm pleased to see it being seriously pursued.