A few months ago I was smitten with PDX airport because of their new and vastly improved bike access. After reading my post, several folks were inspired to ride to the airport to take advantage of the new bike lane and enclosed long-term bike parking facility.
However now all that has changed. A few riders scoped out the facility in advance of a recent flight and were dismayed to find it is now locked with a sign that says it’s only for airport employees. I went and read the original press release (PDF) and sure enough, this was the plan all along. I must have used the facility before it was finished being built.
I’m not sure why the airport folks would reserve hundreds of bike parking spaces just for their employees, when thousands of potential bikers are left with this as the only solution for long-term bike parking.
Just look at this friendly sign they put up back when the new bike lanes were first completed. They can’t honestly think anyone will actually consider riding to the airport when the only parking they offer are unsecure, generic staple racks…can they?!
If the Portland Airport wants to be truly “accessible” by bike, they must offer covered, secure parking for everyone…not just airport employees.
I just emailed their customer service department to let them know how I feel. I’ll let you know what sort of response I get*.
*I’ve just heard from someone at the Airport:
“If people feel strongly about this, I encourage them to make it known by either contacting me, Port management, and/or attending a Port Commission mtg. and expressing their interest in that public forum.”
Read all the details in this comment.