The Bike Valet allows cyclists to ride their bikes to the Market and park them safely while they shop and explore Downtown Des Moines. This free service is operated by a Bike Collective staff person. Cyclists park their bikes on special racks in the bike corral, which is in a secure, safe area in the parking ramp. In addition to free parking, the Bike Valet will offer a mini workshop on tire changing and also offers an air pump.
“This new service says a lot about downtown Des Moines events and how cyclists are becoming an important part of the mix,” explains Kent Newman, Vice Chair of Des Moines Bike Collective. “Several new trail connections that have been completed in the last year make it even easier to get downtown. And this really is the best parking at the Downtown Farmers Market.”
Saturday, June 13, is the grand opening for the Bike Valet. The first 100 patrons who ride their bike to the Market and park in the Bike Valet will receive a Market Buck as a thank you, valued at $1 to be used toward any purchase at any of the Downtown Farmers’ Market vendors. Market Manager Kelly Foss is hopeful this new service will encourage more people to ride their bikes to the Market now that they have a dedicated place to park.
“DriveTimeDesMoines.org is proud to be a sponsor of the free bike valet parking,” says Dana Conn, manager for the Transportation Management Association. “Bike commuters help ease traffic and parking congestion every day in greater Des Moines, and will do the same for the 20,000 people who visit the Farmers’ Market each Saturday.”
Bike Valet parking will also be available at Nitefall on the River, Des Moines Arts Festival and 80/35 Music Festival. For more information about the Downtown Farmers’ Market visit DesMoinesFarmersMarket.com or become a fan on Facebook. The page name is Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market.