Shilshole Bay Marina tenants and liveaboards are nearing an agreement with the Port of Seattle about how and where to store bicycles at the harbor, but so far there's no money to develop anything long-term.

Before major redevelopment construction began at the marina two years ago, bikes were stored in enclosed "sheds" located on the docks. The new design included a policy that prohibited keeping bikes anywhere except onboard boats.

The sheds on the old docks were meant to store garbage dumpsters, not bicycles, said Sharon Briggs, manager of the Shilshole Marina. But overtime the sheds became storerooms for bikes and other items used on the docks.

Recent complaints from liveaboards, who said they need a safe place to store their bikes, prompted the port to reconsider the new policy. Briggs hosted a meeting last week at the Corinthian Yacht Club to discuss storage options that attracted about 35 liveaboards, bike commuters and residents.

"There's obviously a need here to do something so that's why we are here." said Briggs. "Obviously priorities change."

For some liveaboards, their bikes represent a substantial investment. Many don't own a car so biking is their primary source of transportation.

The new marina design had included improvements to core amenities for many liveaboards. Bike storage with new restrooms, laundry facilities and showers were to be built, but when project estimates came back millions over budget, that part of the design was cut out. The current restrooms have been left in place.

"It's kind of like the baby with the bathwater," said Briggs.

Briggs said the rebuilding of restrooms is still a part of the master plan for the marina, though it could take several years to secure funding.

"It hasn't been off our radar to do something," she said. "It's just that the focus has been on the dock reconstruction--that's just the truth."

One woman suggested that whatever is used for bike storage, it should be evenly distributed throughout the marina.

Someone else suggested as a short-term fix bikes could be hung on dinghy hooks located on the docks. It's convenient, but it doesn't protect the bikes from salt water and weather, others said.

Some were concerned about break-ins with sheds and other enclosed spaces that could be seen into.

"It's like candy out there and you're going to have people hitting them all time," said one man. "If it's out there-it's a draw."

One liveaboard said he would be willing to pay a one-time fee for a storage shed or locker, but he doesn't want to increase his monthly moorage fee.

"I could do (something like) a dollar, but $20 a month would be an issue for me," he said.

Eventually the group reached a rough consensus that the long-term storage should be on land, secure with covered sides and a roof and used for bicycle storage only. Bike racks for day users and visitors should also be located throughout the marina, they decided.

Plastic bike lockers that could be secured to the ground seemed to be favored over chain link fence or cages.

Briggs encouraged people to consider that the more costly the solution, the more time it would take to develop since currently no funds have been designated towards bike storage at Shilshole.

"Whatever it is, I'll have to go after it," said Briggs, adding that she would need to present a business plan to port officials, including cost, design and location.

"I have nothing," she said. "It's going to be a hard sell."

"Then why don't we go after the (new) bathrooms too," suggested one liveaboard, drawing applause from the crowd.

A few places throughout the marina have already been identified for short-term storage, said Ed Button, harbor facilities coordinator at Shilshole. Two utility areas that are chained off could be used while something else is built, he said.

One man said he was afraid the temporary fix would become the long-term solution.

"I don't want to lose track of where we want to end up," he said. "I'd hate to get this ad-hoc thing up and that would be it."

In the meantime, Briggs said she would consider changing the policy that prohibits bike storage on the docks, but said she was wary of what that could create.

"If I let that happen you name it and I'm going to get it," said Briggs. "Remember, bikers are a minority here."

The Port of Seattle owned Ballard marina is home to about 1,500 boats and 300 liveaboards.