Finding a parking space for your bike at Alewife T was getting to be almost as hard as finding a parking space for your car in Kenmore Square during a RedSox game.

But not any more, thanks to Daniel Grabauskas, General Manager of the MBTA, who officially opened two new bike cages this morning.

The additional 300 bike spaces more than doubles the number of legal bike spaces, and will alleviate the overcrowding at Alewife, where bikes have been locked to anything and everything that can't be moved.

Cambridge has seen a 70% increase in cyclists since 2002.

The two new bike cages with spaces for 150 bikes in each cage are equipped with 4 video surveillance cameras, lights, and emergency call boxes. "Safety and security are paramount," said Grabauskas.

In addition to the security advantages, the bikes will be protected from the elements (so your bike seat stays dry even in rain and snow).

The MBTA is the first transit agency in the US to offer unstaffed bike cages. Accessible with a Bike CharlieCard (available at Alewife and at Downtown Crossing), the additional spaces will boost the number of legal bike spaces at Alewife to 500. And it's FREE -- although you still have to add your T-fare to the Bike CharlieCard.

The MBTA has worked closely with MassBike, Livable Streets Alliance, and the MBTA's Bike and Transit Advisory Committee to launch this innovative enhancement for commuters.

"As customers become more creative in their commute, we must be more resourceful in accommodating their commuting needs," said the MBTA's Grabauskas.

"As gas prices continue to soar, and as our community looks for new ways to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, bicycle ridership is increasing," said Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons.

Encouraging people to bike to the T gets a few more cars off the road, increases people's fitness, and helps boost the T's bottom line.

Of course, you still have to lock your bike.

For more information see www.mbta.com.

See a short video (shot by Colin Rhinesmith, CCTV's Community Media Coordinator)of the press conference announcing the new bike racks at
http://www.cctvcambridge.org/node/4582