The goal of this project is to construct an area for students, graduate students, faculty, and staff who frequent the Chemical and Life Sciences Building and Roger Adams Laboratory to stow their bicycles in a secure location throughout the day (or night) that is sheltered from the elements.  Proposed locations of this structure would be either one of the grassy spaces between these two buildings on the south side courtyard.

Many occupants of Chemical & Life Sciences and Roger Adams Laboratories currently use bicycles as their primary means of transportation to and from work and frequently stow their bicycles in the atrium and other common areas in the building. This causes additional debris to be tracked indoors and increases the burden on facilities, and can be a safety hazard.

The concern of covered bicycle parking was brought to our attention by a group of students who are no longer allowed to park indoors for the reasons mentioned. Based on conversations with them, the ability to park under shelter would increase their likeliness to ride to work because their bicycles would be protected from rain and snow.  Providing a covered outdoor location for bicycle parking will encourage students and staff to commute on bicycles during a larger part of the year.

The impact of this project could be substantial.  The two buildings mentioned serve  approximately 400 graduate students, over 100 Post Docs and as well as many more undergraduate students, faculty and staff.  The installation of a 20-unit covered bike parking structure could help us encourage more sustainable, zero-emission commuting for these people.  We would like this idea to serve as a model for other regions around the campus.  If  approved,  this project would reduce vehicular traffic and bus crowding for the entire campus.