In an unprecedented move for Spokane, the city agreed to convert a car parking space into a bicycle biking area at the behest of a local business. The Elk Restaurant and Pub in Browne’s Addition wanted to remove the free parking space directly in front of the restaurant to allow for four yellow, “inverted U” bike racks that are protected by a white strip. The racks can hold sixteen bikes at a time. General Manager at the Elk, Marshall Powell, told the Inlander “it was the right thing to do and it was pretty cool.” Right on.  Bike parking is always a hindrance for cyclists in Spokane - will other businesses be willing to step up for bike infrastructure? With the abundance of on-street parking and off-street surface parking ( a lot of which sits unused) downtown, can we find enough wiggle room to remove some of that space for bike corrals like Chicago? It’s a bold move that makes sense but I digress.

Why not celebrate the event by having a dedication party? That is exactly what The Elk did yesterday and it rocked.  There was a Big Sky Beer Garden with beer specials and prizes, a New Belgium cruiser bike giveaway (you had to ride there to win) and live music from the Booze Fighters. As you can see, there were a lot more than sixteen cyclists that came to Browne’s Addition for the christening. Moments like these and I realize it's getting better for cyclists in Spokane. But the awesome turnout should send a positive message to our government, businesses, and neighborhoods: We want more!

 

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