Bicycling is particularly appropriate as a method of transportation for those traveling short distances, as is often the case in Philadelphia. NBW’s valet bike parking service encourages biking because it negates the risk of bicycle theft.

Valet bike parking is like a coat check for bicycles. Patrons are issued claim checks in exchange for their bikes and our staff guards them in a secure corral. At the 2001 and 2002 ESPN X-Games, we checked over 5,000 bikes with no loss or damage. Other clients have included the Wachovia USPRO race (Four years) and Wharton School of Business (Three week service for the past three years) and “Bike the Strike” in the fall of 2006.

Have bikes ever been stolen or damaged at your event? NBW’s bike parking system has never lost a bike.

Encourage safe cycling.
We care about rider safety too. We can provide Bike Safety Checks to those who request it if promoters wish. If we find potentially dangerous mechanical problems, we either fix them on the spot or alert the rider. In addition, we always provide the best information about safe riding and bicyclists’ responsibilities.

Keep your premises tidy and safe.
Why turn your security staff into bad guys when traffic-mixing issues require you to exclude bicycles from some areas? Adding bike parking allows staff to be positive and friendly while directing cyclists to the parking corral. Riders that would have locked their bikes to poles and fences, cluttering things up and creating liability issues by blocking walkways or disabled access will seek out the corral instead. Some others who might have driven will now ride instead.

THIS:

or THIS?

Secure bicycle parking can:
• Reduce traffic congestion as more people ride.
• Reduce time people spend locking up bikes, allowing them a few extra minutes in the vendor area or at the event.
• Provide day-long peace of mind for customers.
• Reduce potential liability of accidents caused by carelessly parked bikes.

We would need you to provide:
• Price starts at $50/hour
• Includes all tickets and supplies
• One police fence needed for every estimated 18 bikes
• An area of about 15’ X 10’ for every 18 bikes
• Fenced in area preferred. NBW can provide some fencing. Call for details.
• As much publicity for the service as possible—people will not use it if they don’t know about it. NBW has some signage for event day, but more is always better
• Enough lead time for us to identify and prepare the best possible site for the valet bike parking.

NBW discourages venues from charging the public for the service for the following reasons:
• It will reduce use of the facility
• It slows down the process when people drop off their bikes
• Some people will not use the service if there is a charge. These people will continue to lock up in places that might be a problem. This will make it harder to see the benefits of the valet bike-parking project.

Other Notes:
• All fees support NBW’s youth development programs
• Staff will be uniformed (NBW T-shirts or your event T-shirt if you wish)
• If any bikes are left after closing (this very rarely happens):
o NBW will store these at its workshop. Claim check has the phone number of bike owner
o There will be a charge for this, mentioned on the ticket

Contact Info:
Andy Dyson, Director
Neighborhood Bike Works
3916 Locust Walk
Phila, PA 19104-6152
Tel: (215) 386-0316
E-mail: andy@neighborhoodbikeworks.org
Website: www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org