Introducing Capital Bike’s ‘The Locker:’ a Bike Valet Program

Introducing Capital Bike’s ‘The Locker:’ a Bike Valet Program Sam Holland, Program Developer

Have you ever thought twice about bicycling to an event because of the risk of your bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter getting stolen? As theft runs rampant, Capital Bike is racing to protect your transportation with a new program: The Locker.

Based on the full-service bike valet program run by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC), The Locker is an attended micromobility parking service for events.

How does the Locker work? Basically, you arrive at an event on your bike or other carbon-free transportation and look for a big corral with our Capital Bike tent and a sign saying ‘The Locker.’ Head over and hand us your ride, and we’ll look after it while you’re having a great time! The Locker is free to use. Instead of charging individuals, we charge the event organizers for the service. So, for a moderate fee, event organizers can reduce auto congestion, provide a safe place for your carbon-friendly transport, and reduce the carbon footprint of the entire event. According to Mission Local, a San Francisco news outlet, bike valets were likely started by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition in 1991 to encourage cyclists to attend city council hearings and advocate for safe infrastructure. Bike valet services are now common across North America as a way for cycling groups to encourage cycling to events and deter bike theft.

Close to home, the GVCC started offering the service in 2016. In Vancouver, Better Environmentally Sound Transportation has been running bike valets since 2006. This year, Capital Bike is scaling up the GVCC’s service, with its own branding, outreach, and dedicated staff.

Our hope is that The Locker will become standard at all events as safe bike parking at events becomes a basic expectation. Imagine a future where you could ride to any market, concert, or party with the confidence that Capital Bike will be there to protect your transportation while you have fun! The Locker is a small step towards making this a reality. Please contact us if you’d like to help encourage event organizers to get The Locker at their next event.

Bike Valet Parking