Two Wheeled Commuters Ask -- Where are The Racks?

If three dollars for a gallon of gas is over the top for you, or the parking fees in downtown White Plains has you driving out of town to shop, there is a cost saving healthy alternative to navigating this growing metropolis.

You wouldnÂ’t notice it on the streets today, but bicycle transportation has been around longer than the automobile. If you wear equip your bike with a rear rack, front basket, or wear a backpack, you can shop and haul your purchases home and save on gym membership expenses too.

In the mood to shop at the Westchester? The bike rack is located in the garage near the valet parking entrance. At ten in morning when I was there, the bike rack was empty except for a lone U-lock left behind.

Commuting to Manhattan from the White Plains Train Station? You better get there early. Just like the garage spots for cars, the bike rack fills up early too. After the evening rush when the cycle commuters have gone home, you will notice many lone locks, and chains left behind on the rack waiting to be used by their respective owners for the next morning commute.

The White Plains Hospital charges $2.50 an hour to park in their garage. Medical insurance canÂ’t cover the cost of visiting your sick friend at the hospital, but no money down secures you a parking spot for your bike at the rack located just inside the garage entrance.

Checking out a CD, or a book at the White Plains Library? You will find two bike racks at the main entrance. These racks are rarely empty. With the school season ready to begin, you will find yourself competing for a spot with youngsters and their fat tire mountain bikes. IÂ’ve noticed quite a few bikes without locks during my many visits to the library. Call me paranoid. I prefer to lock my bike.

Swimming at the Kitrell Pool? No bike racks here. ItÂ’s a small flight of steps down to the pool. So if you want to park your bike where you can see it, be prepared to carry the bike a bit. IÂ’ve noticed a gaggle of childrenÂ’s bikes parked inside the pool area. Obviously there is a need for a bike rack at the pool. Maybe some clever citizen will contact the recreation department about this discrepancy.

Speaking of the Parks Department, when I rode down by bike to renew my city resident ID earlier this summer there wasnÂ’t a bike rack available to park. My only choice was to lean the bike against the front of the building. Way to go Parks Department!

If you are interested in commuting by bike to work, ask your employer about parking availability. Most office buildings provide bike racks in their garage, and some smaller businesses may allow the employee to bring their bike right into the premises.

Do you know of a business or building that provides parking for cyclists in White Plains, contact me at apincus@wpguide.com, and I will publish it.