Los Angeles Union Station Gets $2.5M Metro Bike Hub

A Metro bike hub opened Wednesday at Los Angeles Union Station, offering secure bike storage, rentals, repairs and classes in an effort to encourage more cyclists to use the transit system.

"Metro is committed to providing Angelenos with sustainable, healthy alternatives to driving -- whether they're commuting to work, or taking a trip across the region," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, chair of the Metro board. "This safe, secure bicycle parking center connects cyclists with one of our city's most active transportation hubs and encourages more people to get where they're going on two wheels."

The $2.5 million, 3,000-square-foot facility next to the north breezeway of Union Station West near Alameda Street can accommodate safe and secure parking for nearly 200 bicycles under a controlled entry system and closed- circuit TV surveillance. It also offers same-day repairs, accessory sales, clinics and classes.

Metro has already opened bike hubs at the El Monte Transit Center and the Hollywood/Vine Metro Red Line Station, with additional hubs planned at the Culver City Expo Line Station, Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Blue/Green Line Station, North Hollywood Orange Line Station and the Airport Metro Connector station.

"We've recently brought a host of new services to Union Station, but this new bike hub promises to be one of the best yet for our multi-modal customers," Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington said. "We now have a dedicated bike shop, parking area and common meeting place for our local bicycle community here at Union Station."

The secure bike parking area will be open 24 hours a day all year and operated by BikeHub, a Metro contractor that also operates the El Monte and Hollywood/Vine facilities.

Retail and bike services, including bike rentals, clinics, bike valet and tours, will be provided by the Bike Center on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.