ST. LOUIS • City cyclists may soon get more bike parking.

A bill introduced at today's Board of Aldermen meeting will, if passed, require a certain number of bicycle racks for new construction costing over $1 million.

The requirement will apply to commercial development and redevelopment, as well as new housing complexes of more than 12 units. For every two-bike racks added, the developer will be able to cut out one of the city-required car parking spots.

Alderman Scott Ogilvie, who sponsored the bill, said the goal is to convert 5 percent of each building's car trips into bike traffic.

"That's an achievable goal. Other cities, Minneapolis and Portland, have already far surpassed that goal," said Ogilvie, who grew up just outside of Minneapolis and moved to St. Louis in 1999. "But it's something you've got to work towards, and have policies to get there. It doesn't happen by itself."

Ogilvie said the city has required car parking for new development for at least 60 years. "A lot of car parking," he said. "This (bill) requires a very modest amount of bike parking."

He said bike racks run $300 to $500, while car parking spaces cost between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the cost of the land. So the bill could save developers money.

Developers can apply for an exception if their redevelopment simply doesn't have the space for the bike racks.

Ogilvie credited Mayor Francis Slay's "Vanguard Cabinet" - a group of 140 young professionals who advise the mayor - with coming to him with the idea.

President Lewis Reed and Alderman Shane Cohn are co-sponsoring the bill.

Ogilvie said he has gotten a lot of support and heard no opposition yet. The bill, if it progresses with relative ease, could pass as soon as next month.

"It's one piece of becoming a more bike-friendly place," said Ogilvie. "It's something I really hope other municipalities will consider as well.

"Everybody rides bikes. Rich people, poor people. Young people, old people. Men, women. It's something that's accessible to everybody."