UPDATE >>>

Tacoma is on the cusp of a new era in how we get around town. This city is poised to transform downtown biking from a simple recreational activity into a legitimate form of transportation for residents. Downtown On the Go and the City of Tacoma have made bike parking a priority this summer, culminating with the official opening of the Bike Cage in Park Plaza North Garage at 923 Commerce. A ribbon cutting and group hug (in spandex spadex shorts we imagine) will happen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. The public is encouraged to attend.

Here's the scoop via a statement released by the Tacoma Chamber:

Tacoma's newest bike parking, the Park Plaza North Bike Cage, is conveniently located on the 5th floor of the garage, directly across from the skybridge to Broadway. Designed to remove barriers to bicycle commuting by providing a secure area to store bicycles, the bike cage was a collaboration of Downtown On the Go and City of Tacoma staff. Early studies found that many offices in downtown do not allow bicycles to sit in offices and do not provide bicycle parking, yet there are many downtown employees who like to commute by bike.

"Having options for potential bicycle commuters is crucial to increasing the number of cyclists downtown. And the more cyclists on the streets, the less cars, which means, less congestion. It's a win-win for everyone," says downtown business owner Judi Hyman of TwoKoi Restaurant and Chair of Downtown On the Go. Both the city and Downtown On the Go would like to install additional bicycle parking facilities if the demand is there for this one.

Those interested in using the cage can sign up with Downtown On the Go by downloading a form from the Downtown On the Go website, picking one up at the Grand Opening on Aug. 30 or by visiting Downtown On the Go (950 Pacific Ave, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA 98402). The cost of the cage is $8 per quarter or $25 per year. Users will receive a quarterly code and will be able to lock bikes to the bike racks at any time.

Contact Kristina Walker, Downtown On the Go Manager at kristinaw@tacomachamber.org or 253-682-1739 for more information. Photos of the Bike Cage are available on the Downtown On the Go Facebook page.