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

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

I noted one of those on College Ave near the rotary. I think it's a great idea, but I'm not a Somerville resident so nobody there wants to listen to me :)

[cos]

Did they actually tell you they don't want to listen to you, or are you guessing? I don't actually know if they want to listen to you or not, but if you're someone who tends to spend money at Somerville businesses then I think they should want to.

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

just a guess, but maybe I am so used to Medford not giving a crap about anything that I'm jaded.

[ron_newman]

I'm hoping Medford will look at Somerville's experiments (such as this one) and try to copy them.

[littlecitynames.livejournal.com]

I am so excited about that one. It's good for the little corner of restaurants around there, and the little park across the street.