Last week, TriMet opened its first Bike & Ride facility at the Sunset Transit Center. The Bike & Ride provides secure parking for 74 bikes and helps more cyclists make connections to bus and MAX. The facility features BikeLink keycard access and security cameras.

With tremendous growth in bicycling in the region, there are limited options for commuters to bring bikes onto the transit system especially during rush hour. TriMet is following the model of bicycle capitals around the world, such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, that rely on bike parking facilities to make the connection to transit work on a reliable basis.

"This is the first of a planned regional Bike and Ride network that allows more bicyclists to connect with transit while providing a secure place to park their bikes," said TriMet GM Neil McFarlane. "We chose Sunset Transit Center for our first Bike and Ride because it's one of the most popular destinations for cyclists to connect to transit, since the West Hills are a barrier to riding a bike into downtown."

Bike & Ride users pay for secure parking time just like at a parking meter. Keycards cost $20 and are good for approximately 10 weeks of daily parking at any TriMet Bike & Ride. The facility repurposed eight parking spaces at the 630-space garage.

In addition to the 74-space Sunset Bike & Ride, a 100-space Beaverton Transit Center Bike & Ride and the renovated 30-space Gresham Central Transit Center facility will be opening in October. Construction begins at the Beaverton Bike & Ride in August. Federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are funding the construction of the three Bike & Rides.

TriMet is using $1.1 million in stimulus funds for the three Bike & Rides, as well as replacement and refurbishment of 174 bike lockers. This year, TriMet is adding bike parking for nearly 380 bikes throughout the region.

In addition, TriMet will be giving away 20 BikeLink cards worth $20 each in a drawing to be held on August 9. Riders can enter the drawing on trimet.org/bikeandride.