Bike Rack Resentment in Ball Square

[josephineave.livejournal.com]

Recently, the city put in a new bike rack in Ball Square, occupying a parking spot right in front of Eat at Jumbo's and The Pub. Early this morning, I noticed a handmade sign on the rack that said (paraphrased), "Help us get rid of this bike rack. Please call 311."

I have to assume it is the patrons/operators of The Pub who are most upset because E@J posted a positive message on their Facebook page:

Any one see our city bike rack? 1) its going to hold our new awesome delivery bike that is in the finishing touch of being custom built by Commonwealth Bikes of Medford MA. 2) Our bike customers have prime parking. 3) We honor and sell Bike Benefits Stickers. That can save you money. Pretty cool for 2 wheelers...

Is the loss of a parking spot that big a sore spot? I have to wonder if bikers might be subject to harassment or vandalism.

Comments

[smammy]

Yes. Their main concern seemed to be that the City didn't consult them or give them any warning before placing the bike rack, not the existence of the bike rack per se.

[miss-chance.livejournal.com]

That doesn't really explain the exact same note, with the exact same wording, up in Powder House.

[smammy]

I didn't say it did! I was just sharing an interesting anecdote that might shed some light on how the business owners on that block might feel about the bike rack.