A reader sent these photos to us taken in downtown Los Gatos showing illegally parked bicycles on Los Gatos streetscape flower planters and their railing, which is against town code.
"Any merchant or person desiring to construct, erect or install a bicycle rack or racks in the public right-of-way shall first obtain the approval of the town engineer as to the type of rack and the place where such rack is intended for installation," according to town code.
Code also states that violations of bicycle parking guidelines for juveniles under the age of 18 years, in lieu of filing charges in the Juvenile Court, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police may prohibit their operation upon streets, alleys and public places in town for a period not to exceed 30 days.
In such an event, bicycles in violation shall be impounded and retained by police during the period for which such operation is prohibited, and owners' registration cards shall also be held by police during this period.
We wonder if there's a problem with lack of bicycle racks in downtown or if bicyclists are simply violating town code? Also, is it OK to park and lock your bicycle on downtown streetscape flower planters with railings?
A complaint about a possible code violation may be made by letter, telephone, email, or in person to the appropriate town department. In an average year, the town receives several thousand complaints related to possible code violations, according to the Los Gatos Code Compliance Division.
LOCATION: Downtown Los Gatos
PROBLEM: Illegally parked bicycles in downtown Los Gatos
RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES: Los Gatos Code Compliance Division, 408-399-5720, or to file a code-compliance complaint form, please click here.
DATE REPORTED: March 14, 2012
DAYS ON WATCH: 34
