Victoria’s bike valet was initially set to wrap up for the season on Dec. 23, but it has received a four-month extension to keep operating.
The bike valet returned after closing for the winter on March 17, 2023 and at the time was supposed to end at the end of December.
Council asked staff to look at keeping it open through Christmas, and now with the exception of Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1, Victoria’s bike valet will remain open for the next four months.
Through to the end of the year, the bike valet hours will be:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday and Dec. 26: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Then starting in January, the hours will adjust to:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The $130,000 to continue operating the bike valet is coming from the transportation budget.
Since it opened on March 17, the bike valet has kept 37,000 securely parked in downtown Victoria.
READ PREVIOUS: Bike valet to return downtown Victoria on March 17
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With over 37,000 bikes securely parked since March 17, 2023, the Downtown Victoria Bike Valet will continue to operate this winter. Please note that the Valet will be closed Dec 24, 25 and Jan 1. Hours of operation: https://t.co/b5Rdm4n14c #yyjbike pic.twitter.com/xIPDbK3tqf
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) December 22, 2023
The bike valet came up in recent council budget discussions, with a debate opening up on whether there should be a charge for those who use the service or looking at other ways of making it revenue neutral.
Staff noted there was a safety concern with accepting cash payments and that it could potentially expose the bike valet staff to a risk of dealing with theft. It was noted if payments were to be accepted it should be by card only.
Ultimately, the motion to look into charging or finding ways to make the service revenue neutral came to a tie vote, meaning staff have been directed to look into the issue.
During the budget discussion, suggestions on making it revenue neutral without charging a fee for users included finding a sponsor for the bike valet.
READ PREVIOUS: Victoria council asks staff to re-look at budget items; and other council items
Laura Brougham
