Studies have shown that one of the primary reasons that individuals do not travel via bicycle is the lack of a secure place to store their vehicle.  The Bicycle Secure Program addresses this need by funding bicycle racks and bicycle shelters.  Over time, the program has been expanded to include other facilities to support active transportation such as bicycle repair stations and skateboard racks. The program serves the Agency’s public mandate to achieve a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system by promoting active transportation. By providing secure bicycle parking, businesses can attract more bicycle-riding patrons, employers can support the growing number of people who choose to bicycle to work, and schools can support students who bike to school - all of which supports local economic, health, and environmental goals. 

Specific program goals include:

• Increasing the amount of secure bicycle parking in Monterey County giving high priority to locations without existing bicycle parking.
• Ensuring equitable distribution of bicycle parking facilities across Monterey County.
• Providing bicycle parking in convenient locations to encourage bicycling.
• Supporting artistic design of facilities that increase visibility of bicycle parking and maintain the character of a special area or district. 

For the 2019 grant cycle, the proposed schedule calls for an initial application period from December 8, 2018 to February 1, 2019. Staff will review all application materials and submit a recommendation to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee at its March 6, 2019, and then submit a recommendation to the Agency Board for approval at its meeting on March 27, 2019 meeting. Following Board approval, the equipment will be distributed and installed between April and June, 2018.

A copy of the revised guidelines and application are included as a Web Attachment to this report. Board members are encouraged to distribute applications for bicycle racks and lockers to interested property owners.