Last Monday, Capital Metro opened their first of many to come MetroBike shelters at Kramer Station in North Austin.

According to the MetroBike website, these shelters cost $30 per year, offering a fully enclosed parking area for 24 bikes, 24-hour camera surveillance, and a small resting area with a workbench.

Accessible to a large number employers via transit, Kramer Station seemed to be the most suitable place for the first bike station.

“Kramer Station experiences the highest volume of bikes getting on and off the train,” Erica Masioge, spokesperson for Capital Metro, said. “There are some major employers and destinations near Kramer Station, but not immediately within walking distance: ACC Northridge, the Domain, IBM, JJ Pickle Research Center, [and] Texas Culinary Academy.”

There have been a multitude of reasons for the new bike shelters. One is to offer more options for commuters that use the MetroRail.

“We really hope to provide more multimodal connections and thereby attact new transit users,” Masioge said. “The bike shelter is aligned with our ongoing commitment to making the transit easy and accessible for the people of Austin.”

Masioge also mentioned that there has been an increase ridership in MetroRail services.

“MetroRail ridership has nearly tripled since service began in 2010,” Masioge said. “And instead of restricting the number of bikes allowed on the train, the MetroBike Shelter offers another option for the cyclist to store their bikes more securely overnight or during the day.”

Not only will this offer a new amenity to cyclists, but it will also increase carrying capacity. Each bicycle stored at the shelter makes room for four additional passengers on the train.

The MetroBike Shelters have received much positive recognition from Austin locals. Allan Verne, a daily cyclist, expressed that the new Bike Shelter accommodates to many cyclists.

“The Kramer Shelter Bike Station makes it easier for me to commute to places around Austin, without me hauling my bike everywhere I go,” Verne said. “Before, it was difficult for me to find a place to leave my bicycle without the constant stress of it possibly being stolen, but the new bike shelter prevents that.”

Other locals are also anticipating the opening of other bike stations across Austin. Amber Guitron, UT student, has been awaiting the new bike station to be built at MLK Station. “It’s an absolute hassle to always bring my bike with me whenever I go to Highland Station from MLK,” Guitron said. “Having a bike station at MLK Jr. Station would definitely be easier for me.”

The possible locations that will have a MetroBike Station will be Tech Ridge Park & Ride, Highland Station, MLK Jr. Station, Plaza Saltillo, and South Congress Transit Center.

“In early 2013, we will seek a contractor to build the remaining shelters,” Masiage said. “We were also awarded a $554,000 federal grant to build the remaining facilities.”