The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board has approved a new 1,018-square-foot space for the Hollywood and Vine Red Line Station’s bike room, which is designed to encourage cyclists to use public transportation by providing a place for them to store and fix their bikes.

Cyclists will be able to store their bikes inside a new room that Metro plans to create near the Hollywood and Vine Red Line Station. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The new bike room will be located in space that is part of the W Hotel and Residences complex that was originally intended to house a retail business. The developers of the complex, Legacy Partners, agreed to provide Metro with the space as part of the agreement allowing the developer to build at the site. The bike room was originally proposed to be located near the entrance to the Hollywood and Vine Station, but will now be located in a larger space on Vine Street. Cyclists complained that the original location was too small to meet their needs.

“Four hundred square feet sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t allow you to do more than store bikes,” said Jeff Jacobergger, chair of the Mid City West Community Council and an avid cyclist.

Metro Bike Program manager Lynne Goldsmith said that bike racks are the only certainty for the room at this point, and estimated that they will hold at least 50 bicycles. Final plans for the room may include room for non-profit organizations to hold safety classes.

Goldsmith added that there will likely be a hoist and repair station for cyclists, but Metro probably would not supply tools unless they are attached to the repair station.

“We think that most serious bicyclists carry some tools with them,” Goldsmith said.

Metro is also considering a bike rental facility at the site, but it would have to be contracted to a private entity. Once completed, the bike room will be accessible by key card, and users will have to register online or by mail. Goldsmith it had not yet been determined how much the cards would cost, and added that approximately 150 people will first be allowed to register to gauge demand. Metro spokesperson Dave Sotero said the transit agency will fund the project, and will be soon accepting private bids for the construction. It is expected to cost approximately $100,000. Sotero said Metro may have an additional $92,000 to use for equipment and other costs, depending on whether the Metro Board approves the allocation at its next meeting on Dec. 9.

Sotero added that numerous cycling advocacy groups have provided ideas about the new bike room, including the L.A. Bike Working Group.

-Tony Cella contributed to this article