Hiram Johnson High School gets new e-bike rack, charger to address rising use

The two bike racks installed this summer at Hiram Johnson High School are different from the others. They have 28 spots for bikes and scooters to lock up, a roof covered with solar panels, bike maintenance tools and 28 outlets to charge e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric devices that students park at the school.

The school partnered with SMUD and Calstart on the project. Calstart awarded Hiram Johnson a $37,500 grant for a green energy and mobility project, which the school determined should go toward the e-bike racks and chargers after a transportation survey. The school then applied for and received matching funds from SMUD’s Shine program.

With the matching funds, the school was able to purchase the second solar-powered bike rack. Both racks were installed in late June.

Michael Kodransky, Calstart’s senior director of innovative mobility, said the bike racks are an example of how transportation expectations and routines can change when infrastructure is available.

Coverage also seen in EV Shift and Yahoo News.