Businesses could use bike racks

I find some contradiction in the fact that the Everett City Council wants to spend $4 million on a Children’s Theater, but if a business owner in the city wants to install a bike rack in front of their establishment, the business owner must pay for it. In addition, the business must choose the rack the city recommends, a snaking loop rack of a particular green color. I suppose this design standard is their policy, but these $650 racks are too costly for some small businesses. Bike racks are a city enhancement; why should the small businesses have to pay?

Racks benefit the city, as well as cyclists who need a place to lock up, and pedestrians who don’t have to jog around bikes laid or locked to trees, poles and other objects on the sidewalk.

How about it, city of Everett? Can’t you make this part of your budget and help out a burgeoning cycling population, and small business owners?

Michael Dahlstrom

Everett