Help! My employer is getting rid of showers and bike racks for 3 years!

[DrMom]

I need advice on how to convince my employer to install temporary showers and bike racks during a 3 year renovation of the part of our building that currently houses those amenities. We did a survey and found that 70 people in our office bike to work at least occasionally, and 40 of them regularly. So far our pleas have gone unanswered because of the cost and because none of the people planning the renovation are particularly interested in exercise.

One idea is for people to allocate transportation subsidy funds to help pay for temporary facilities. Can people suggest other options for us to propose?

TIA
DrMom

[Certifried]

Ugh, that's terrible. I have no info, but definitely hope this all works out. I'm sure someone will be along shortly that knows more than I do (nothing lol)

Where is your employer located? There might be regulations for such facilities, at least bike parking (I believe) in parts of DC. I think I've seen such discussions in the past, so this is definitely a good place to get info. Also, maybe reach out to WABA for assistance.

waba@waba.org
Phone: 202.518.0524

They're good people, and would know the details. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that they're holding a fund raiser that's being matched currently. It's for their Women & Bicycles program, and I see your username is DrMom and (probably incorrectly) I'm assuming you're a woman. This is the kind of thing they do, advocating for bicyclist's rights, which would include the situation you're in. Please consider donating, though I'm sure that won't have any bearing on whether they can help you or not. Note: I have absolutely no affiliation with WABA other than being a supporting member.

[Bilsko]

Where is your employer located? There might be regulations for such facilities, at least bike parking (I believe) in parts of DC. .

This *could* work, but mostly the DC regulations apply to new buildings/construction and only to dedicated parking. I don't think they say anything about showering/changing facilities.

Are you close enough to another office building that your employer/building manager might consider a facility "share"? - probably not ideal to have to park and change in one building and then walk to another, but it may be better than the alternative.

[TwoWheelsDC]

This *could* work, but mostly the DC regulations apply to new buildings/construction and only to dedicated parking. I don't think they say anything about showering/changing facilities.

Are you close enough to another office building that your employer/building manager might consider a facility "share"? - probably not ideal to have to park and change in one building and then walk to another, but it may be better than the alternative.

Agree with Bilsko on this one...getting access to another building, or perhaps your employer arranging use of a local gym's locker room/showers, is probably the most realistic solution. What's frustrating about these situations is you know that if the business had to remove car parking for any reason, people would riot and the business would bend over backwards to make accommodations.

[Certifried]

I'm not sure that's realistic for 70 people, 40 regular riders. That's a lot of people! Can their parking lot handle an additional 70 cars?

[bobco85]

Agree with Bilsko on this one...getting access to another building, or perhaps your employer arranging use of a local gym's locker room/showers, is probably the most realistic solution. What's frustrating about these situations is you know that if the business had to remove car parking for any reason, people would riot and the business would bend over backwards to make accommodations.

Perhaps the business could get everyone a membership to that gym, just in case someone complains they're giving special treatment to cyclist commuters? I imagine they could get a cheaper rate for it.

[KLizotte]

Perhaps the 70 people should go on strike?! Alternatively, if you all show up at work for a week without wearing deoderent and stinkin' up the joint, they might change their minds pretty quickly about those showers.

But seriously, I can see how a temporary shower would be difficult to arrange but bike racks?!? Presumably they are going to install bike racks in the future so why not buy them now (or move the ones they have) and attach them to some concrete in the vicinity? It's hardly a big job and can be easily moved later. Perhaps they will let you take the bikes inside?

I'm amazed that a company with that many bike commuters would be so tone deaf.