Old Parking Meters Reborn As Bike Hitches in Hollywood

Updated 2:30 PM PST, Wed, Jun 24, 2009

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Those sad-looking, headless parking meters now have a new use: Last night, the city installed 52 "meter hitches" in Hollywood, all part of a plan that has been in the works for some time now. The hitches were added to the pole part of the old parking meters (these meters have been replaced by fancy new pay meters). Now that's what we call adaptive re-use.

HOLLYWOOD -- In an effort to help Angelenos choose alternative modes of
transportation, Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti today
announced the installation of more than 50 new bicycle racks on
Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea and Vine. Working with the city’s
Department of Transportation, Garcetti developed a pilot program that
transformed into bicycle racks parking meters made obsolete by the
city’s new Park-and-Pay system.

“This new program will provide more bicycle parking to make it easier
for residents and visitors who want to use bikes to get around the
neighborhood,” said Council President Garcetti. “We want to make it
as easy and attractive as possible for people to ride a bike rather than
drive a car, especially for short trips.”

To expand bicycle parking capacity, the Los Angeles Department of
Transportation is installing “meter hitches” that convert the poles
of former parking meters into bike racks. The racks have a central
vertical pole with two half circles extending outward on either side so
that multiple bicycle locks can clasp to the pole. On top of the pole is
a small metal sign of a bicycle, denoting the pole as bicycle parking.
(See attached photo.) Fifty-two meter hitches were installed last night
as part of the first phase of the program.

"LADOT is encouraging people to stay healthy, and reduce traffic
congestion along with pollution, by taking advantage of the new bicycle
racks in Hollywood. Be sure to ride safely" said Rita L. Robinson, LADOT
General Manager.

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