Pacific Beach revolt against Deco Bikes

Late Thursday afternoon (July 23) Deco Bike Racks were installed in two prime locations on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach. Recommendations by the Pacific Beach Town Council and the Pacific Beach Planning Group were apparently ignored by the city. One of the racks is next to Crystal Pier, in the line of sight of the ocean for previously lucky tenants of See the Sea Condominiums. The specifics of the agreement between the city and Deco Bikes have not been disclosed.

The emails being sent to city council members give an idea of the emotions felt by some PB residents. Bill Allen of the Crystal Pier Hotel was caught unware. “We expect and demand the removal of this bike station!” And Holly Bertz, president of the See the Sea Condominiums HOA, was specific. “They are truly an eyesore. The 20-foot tall gray monstrosity kiosk is quite a sight, and the neon green tops for the racks are visual from blocks away.” [Kiosk actually measures 7-½ feet.] Kate Feeley, who grew up in Mission Beach, commented, “Good concept, terrible location. This is very bad for our local bike shops.”

A press conference was held on Sunday, July 26 at the lifeguard station at the end of Grand Avenue. Brian Curry, chairperson of the Pacific Beach Planning Group said that the city mislead the local planning groups. These spots on the boardwalk are not at all the areas agreed upon for the Deco Bike Racks.

The crowd chanted “Our boardwalk is not for sale.” The sign placed in front of the racks said, “Kevin and Lorie (Mayor Faulconer and District 2 Councilperson Lorie Zapf) Sold Your Boardwalk San Diego.” PB resident Jason McLachlan gave his opinion, “This is so obviously a stupid place to put these bike racks, it has to be the worst advertising Deco Bikes could do to themselves.”