Mayor Pro Tem John Erickson Initiates Bicycle Repair Stations Pilot Program

The West Hollywood City Council will consider the implementation of a bicycle repair stations pilot program at the next Regular City Council meeting schedule for Monday, September 18, 2023, starting at 6pm. Agenda Item 6.B., initiated by Mayor Pro Tem John Erickson, explores stations equipped with a basic repair kit to assist bicyclists. The locations are to be determined.

City Staff recommends the following:

• Direct staff to work with the Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure
  Commission to develop a bicycle repair station pilot program, which will include
  the selection of locations for the stations and incorporate feedback from the
  Transportation Commission.
• Direct staff to develop metrics to measure the success of the program and return
  to City Council within 18 months with a program report and evaluation of the pilot
  program.
• Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to reserve $9,000 from
  Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 budgeted funds in the Special Council Programs account
  number 100-1-01-00-531001 for costs associated with the implementation of this
  pilot program.

According to the staff report, transportation, consisting primarily of on-road vehicles, is the most significant contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Los Angeles County, with share estimates ranging from 30-50% of total emissions.

In the City of West Hollywood, passenger vehicles and trucks contribute to roughly 1,000,000 average weekday vehicle miles traveled, resulting in more than 62,000 metric tons of CO2. The City has established a goal of communitywide carbon neutrality by 2035. Research from the University of Oxford suggests that choosing a bike over a car just once a day yields a 67% reduction in a citizen’s emissions from transport. Replacing weekday vehicle trips with bicycle trips is part of a strategy to reduce the City’s net emissions. The City’s General Plan and Climate Adaptation and Action Plan include policies and programs to guide the City towards becoming a more bicycle-friendly destination. In accordance with climate and neighborhood livability goals, the City has explored methods to increase bicycle use and reduce personal vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and the City currently has several bicycle and transit micro mobility projects underway.

The pilot program should include a limited time duration and incorporate the following components:

• Selection of two locations for the stations and incorporate feedback from the Transportation Commission;
• Advertising and promotion of the new stations;
• Measurable metrics to evaluate program success, which may include feedback received, usage, and any maintenance service requests; and
• Reports to City Council regarding program success and opportunities for improvement and/or institutionalization.

The City of West Hollywood is committed to supporting multi-modal transportation options and promoting the City’s identity as a walkable and bikeable place. While biking is appealing to many residents, safety and support for bikers are integral to the decision to ride. This program would install two bike repair stations as part of a pilot program to assist bicyclists and further encourage bicycling. Any and all travelers would be eligible to use these stations to make most all repairs to their bicycle. The idea for this pilot program is in response to bike repair stations that were recently installed in the City of Beverly Hills. City of Beverly Hills staff indicated that they added two stations in November of 2022. To date, they shared that these stations have been well received in Beverly Hills and there has been no challenges for staff with these stations.

The bicycle repair station in the City of Beverly Hills includes necessary tools for performing basic bike repairs and maintenance. The station includes Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm Allen wrenches, a T25 Torx wrench, a 32mm headset wrench, a 15mm pedal wrench, 8, 9, 10, and 11mm box wrenches, and two tire levers. These tools are attached to the station via tamper-resistant fasteners to ensure no misuse or theft of the tools. There is also the option for the station to feature up to two hanger arms which would allow two people to use each station at once. Including the Air Kit bike pump which can be installed next to the station, riders would have full ability to repair and maintain their equipment. As part of the pilot program, City staff will finalize specifications of the bike repair station to best fit West Hollywood’s needs.