Bike storage at Berkeley High?
Our incoming 9th grader at BHS currently rides her bike to middle school. She'd like to do this for BHS as well, but has heard from current BHS students that the bike racks there fill up really early so that it's hard to lock it up if they're all taken. She's also heard that there's a lot of bike theft, though I don't know this means bikes locked on the street, or on campus. So she's thinking of just taking the bus, which could be fine but would take away the advantage of leaving when she wants, on her timing (by bike). Can anyone speak to bike storage and safety at BHS, and whether there's any move to install more bike racks any time soon?
Mar 25, 2019
Parent Replies
It sure would be great to have better bike storage - our daughter bikes twice a week, but only if it's dry because there's no cover, and she rides a pretty lame bike to avoid theft. You'd think it would be a no-brainer for Berkeley, but apparently not
Kate - I commend your daughter for riding her bike to school. I can't speak for what's available at Berkeley High, but there is bike storage just two blocks north of BHS at the new Center Street garage (2023 Center St.). It's staffed from 7 AM - 8 PM. See https://bikehub.com/bart/#toggle-id-1. This could be a solution to overcrowded facilities at BHS.
My daughter rode her bike to school every day for 4 years (2014-2018) and never had a problem finding a spot in a rack on campus when she arrived at 8:15 or so. Likewise she never had a problem with theft. However, I did once see a student whose wheel was stolen while his bike was parked on campus. Many students lock their bikes on all the surrounding streets, mostly without incident. However, there is a general problem with bike theft around downtown, and bikes really must be locked securely. And I do know of people who have come out of the Y and found their seat gone, or their shifter handles, or a wheel. There is a secure bike parking facility a block away. However, I think in general parking on campus is feasible and safe. I don't think there is a plan to install more racks on campus.