The city plans to create bicycle parking in areas of the city, but Ballard is not first on the list.

"We plan to install them at various locations around the city, but have not yet decided on all of the locations," said Seattle Department of Transportation spokesperson Marybeth Turner. " I would expect that there could very well be this type of bike parking in West Seattle and Ballard if there is interest."

By mid February new bike facilities will be installed: Mid-block of Broadway East between East Harrison Street and East Republican Street (by Broadway Market); at the corner of 12th Avenue and East Spring Street (by Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Cafe Presse); and at the corner of Woodlawn Avenue Northwest and Northeast 70th Street (by the Greenlake Condominium).

On-street bike parking will be filled with bicycle racks and surrounded by a raised curb and take the place of one to two motor vehicle parking spaces. Bicyclists can enter the parking area from the sidewalk and each car-sized space will accommodate up to eight bikes.

According to a city news release, the program is aimed at addressing the expanding need for bicycle parking and is part of the ongoing implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan, which seeks to triple the number of people bicycling in Seattle over 10 years.

The city department of transportation is planning additional on-street bicycle parking locations this year. For more information or to request bicycle parking in a neighborhood, please call (206) 684-7583 or email bikeracks@seattle.gov.