The Smithe bike amenities

Boffo’s development team worked closely with HUB Cycling throughout the conceptual design and planning stages of The Smithe to collaborate for safer and more convenient bike access.

The typical approach for bike parking in a high rise building is to have it located on the first lower parkade level with access from a shared vehicle parkade ramp. Our team’s alternate solution incorporates a dedicated cyclist lobby and bike elevator, separating cyclists from car traffic in the parkade. The large double-door elevator fits two cyclists and two bikes at a time – and with the doors opening on both sides, cyclists will be able to walk in their bikes and walk them straight out.  Cyclists will store their bikes on secure horizontal racks within the parkade. There will also be a designated “bike kitchen” fully equipped for bike repair and maintenance, along with space for educational demonstrations by HUB. Doors to both the elevator lobby and bike storage rooms will be 36” wide with automatic door openers for ultimate ease of access.

Extensive security measures will be in place including FOB control and security camera monitoring – allowing cyclists to view monitors in the lobby to see if anyone else is in the bike parking area before heading down. For extra piece of mind, only registered cyclists will have FOB access to the bike lobby, elevator and facilities. Emergency distress buttons that link to the building concierge and security monitoring service with immediate police dispatch will also be in place.

Upon completion of the building, HUB will be offering private bicycle workshops and orientation seminars to new residents at The Smithe, in order to educate and encourage bike ridership – especially for those who are not familiar with biking in the downtown community.

We are very pleased with the results of our collaboration with HUB Cycling. The bike infrastructure and amenity solutions will create a safe, convenient and enjoyable cycling experience for our homeowners.

Check out HUB/UDI’s report “Not just bike racks – informing design for end of trip cycling amenities in Vancouver real estate”. The Smithe is one of three residential projects featured for going above and beyond current bike-friendly requirements – see page 34 and 35.

You can also view our profile story on HUB Cycling here and visit their website here.