Resident urges North Ogden to install permanent bike racks in parks and trailheads

Sarah Lansing, a North Ogden resident, told the City Council on Sept. 23 that many city parks and trailheads lack secure bike parking and urged the city to install permanent bike racks in visible locations.

Lansing said she prepared a map of existing bike racks and gave it to the council in advance. “We have very few or no bike racks in our parks or along trails where people want or need them,” she said, adding that higher‑value bikes such as mountain bikes and e‑bikes make secure parking necessary for people to leave their bikes while using park facilities.

Lansing told the council the North Ogden Parks and Trails Committee purchased and donated a permanent rack (described in her materials as a 7‑bike, “wave” style rack) and that it was delivered to the Public Works Building last fall but has not been installed. She recommended adding a permanent rack that can hold at least five bikes at parks without bike parking, placing racks in visible locations with signs that clearly indicate bike parking, and including bike parking in planning for park renovations rather than as an afterthought.

Lansing provided estimated unit costs in her packet and told the council such racks can typically be purchased online for about $300 to $500, while manufacturer playground‑supplier versions are more expensive. She asked the council to consider an investment she described as “less than 1% of the total cost” of a playground renovation but with lasting benefit for active transportation and park use.

Mayor and council members responded favorably and asked staff to research costs and installation logistics. The mayor asked staff to “do some research on the cause and bring that to the council in a follow‑up meeting.” Council members noted the suggestion appears affordable and asked that staff return with cost estimates and a recommended installation plan, including placement near trailheads and restroom access.

The council gave staff direction to return with information and likely funding sources, with the mayor suggesting the capital projects fund as a potential source for the modest installation costs.

A resident, Sandy Cochran, also raised a separate park‑adjacent concern in public comment about graffiti on utility boxes along Washington Boulevard; staff noted wrapped utility boxes are easier for the city to address while non‑wrapped boxes may require the power company’s involvement.