Sudbury cyclist pushing for more secure bike parking downtown to increase accessibility, reduce theft

Andrew Way wouldn't be able to get around Greater Sudbury without his bicycle. Way has epilepsy and relies on biking as his main form of transportation because driving can be dangerous with his medical condition. While he says getting around the city isn't too difficult, finding a secure spot to park his bike when going into businesses can be challenging.

"I'm hoping to see more accessible bike parking where theft is not an issue," said Way. 

"I want to be able to walk up to a bike rack, lock my bike and know it's safe there."

Way says there are not many bike racks in downtown Sudbury to park a bicycle when needing to access a business, and no publicly-accessible locked bike cages. He adds that theft in downtown remains a concern and he doesn't feel comfortable leaving his expensive bike unattended or locked to a structure.

 "Downtown... it's the biggest, worst place for theft," said Way.

When there is no spot available to leave his bike, Way explains he often has to take it with him into a business, which can be met with hostility.

Way has been in contact with City of Greater Sudbury officials, asking them to install more bike racks or more locked bike cages so cyclists can park their bicycles securely.

He says there are only two publicly available secured bike cages in Sudbury, located at Health Sciences North. The steel boxes are shielded from the weather and items in them are not visible from the outside, deterring theft.

Way says city employees have access to a secured bike locker in the underground parking garage at Tom Davies Square. He was told by a city councillor that opening it to the public could be an option.

"That'd be a good start from the city," said Way, adding he would park his bike there and walk to the downtown mall if he had to.

"It's better than nothing."

Way says he has reached out to the Downtown BIA and other businesses about installing bike racks, but hasn't been met with much co-operation.

He says the New Sudbury Mall has told him it is installing year-round bike racks at all of its secured entrances with cameras available, which Way says is a step forward. He's hoping the Elm Place mall in downtown Sudbury can also install more bike infrastructure either outside entrances or in its parking garage.

Ultimately, Way says bike parking is an accessibility issue and should be available for people who rely on it for transportation.

"There is a clause in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) that a bike is a mobility aid if you need it," Way explained. 

"If you're someone like me who can't drive, can't walk, it's just as recognized as a wheelchair or a scooter or a little hand cart and comes with all these same accommodations."

In a statement to CBC News, the City of Greater Sudbury said it is "committed to supporting active transportation, including the development of accessible and secure bike infrastructure.

The statement said the city recognizes that "convenient bicycle parking plays a vital role in encouraging cycling as a safe, sustainable mode of transportation, and we continue to assess opportunities to improve cycling amenities across the community. We remain open to constructive feedback from all members of the public and are committed to working toward a more inclusive and accessible transportation network for everyone in Greater Sudbury."