The US Green Building Council LEED certification requires some sort of bike parking and shower space for regular users in all LEED-certified buildings. Since the option for bike commuting was a condition of employment for me, I can thank this certification for the reason I work where I do. 

A parking garage takes up the lower level of the building I work in. When I first started working here, I had the option to park in the parking garage, but all cyclists had to lock up at a bar next to the handicapped parking spots, right next to the motorcycles. I loved the speediness of this option when no one was around. But most of the time, I'd be trying to lock my bike on a over-full bar while people in wheelchairs and motorcycles had to navigate around my fumbling. I don't like having to adjust another person's bike just to get mine to lock, so I cheered for joy when I found out construction started on a portion of the garage just to commuting staff. The result, seen above, allows for nearly all commuters to have a caged, locked space to park. I ended up paying more money than I felt comfortable loosing to a thief for my commuter, so I welcomed the added security. The cage fills up every May during Bike Month, but sits mostly empty the rest of the year. I have a few co-workers far more dedicated to commuting than myself, but they are only a few.

The cage disappoints me for 1 reason: All bikes have to be lifted off the ground and turned sideways to store. The city is working on setting up mini-repair stations in their parking areas, including pumps and multi-tools. While I think this is a great idea and could encourage new riders, this cage would better be improved by changing how the bikes are stored.  The inability to store bikes without lifting them means that the space can't serve:

• Employees with chronic pain, physical issues, or who are simply less strong. Physical exercise can really help people feel better but having to lift a big heavy bike at the end can be a deterrent. Already at least one regular commuter fits in this category. She parks her bike in the "old" spot by the motorcycles. Most employees in my work place are female desk workers; not a subset likely to have the upper body strength required for lifting a bike. The average age of workers is older than most companies as well. This storage option may be a great idea for a lot of workplaces, but doesn't serve most of the staff here.
• Employees with financial barriers. The cheaper the bike, the more it weighs. This is a rule. New riders or riders without financial resources could benefit from the cost savings of commuting, but may get discouraged when they realize how heavy their bike is.
• Employees riding electric bikes. Electric bikes start at 50 pounds. Seattle can be very hilly and an electric bike is a great option for people who live in hilly areas get to work in an affordable, environmentally responsible way. Electric bikes are also a great option for those who have a long commute and I would like to see their use encouraged.

I wish everyone could be helped by the bike storage, but recognize that it's mere existence is something to relish. Most employees don't have an option nearly half as good. I am lucky, and grateful that I am one of the few able to benefit from the cage. I think even if the storage detracts many riders, anyone who uses the garage can see it, and every little thing like this helps to normalize commuting. Ultimately, this is a great feat and a huge step in the right direction.