Chapter 9 Recommendations

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AGENCIES

NYC DoT, NYS DoT, applicable County/Municipal Departments of Public Works

Monitor and oversee public authority implementation of policies itemized below, particularly those concerning bicycle parking at stations.

Create bicycle-access routes — bike paths or bicycle-friendly roads — to suburban train stations and major outer-borough subway stations. Implementation to include signage, roadway design, and maintenance (e.g., bicycle-safe sewer grates, repairs and street surfaces).

Install front-mounted bicycle racks on buses, where bus routes include tunnels or bridges without bicycle paths, such as the Verrazano-Narrows, Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges. To minimize inconvenience to other passengers, bicycles shall be carried only between the first stops on either side of the tunnel or bridge.

Direct providers of any new ferry service to accommodate bicycles.

PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (including operating agencies New York City Transit Authority, Metro-North Commuter Railroad, Long Island Rail Road), NJ Transit, Amtrak, etc.

In conjunction with NYMTC (New York Metropolitan Transportation Council), conduct a region-wide study of the environmental and transportation benefits of implementing an aggressive bike-and-ride program.

Establish policy permitting bicycles on all off-peak commuter rail and subway trains, except where operator demonstrates that bicycles constitute a hazard or may otherwise interfere with safe and effective operation.

Permit bicycles on peak trains in non-peak direction, with the proviso that cyclists not board or alight at Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station in Manhattan and Newark. (This would allow intra-suburban bicycle commuting to scattered office parks, and also provide access to 125th St. in Harlem.)

Make bicycle permits available for purchase at major stations, including the LIRR's Penn Station ticket facilities.

Establish policy permitting folding bicycles on all trains at all times.

(Subways only): Permit cyclists to enter the subway via clerk-activated “security gate” (after depositing token) rather than lifting bicycle over turnstile.

Institute formal program with advance notice and written response, by which cycling groups may obtain train access for large numbers of bicycles.

Adopt new procurement policies so that commuter rail and subway cars may accommodate bicycles and other bulky objects, i.e., by creating a dedicated space on each car (which can be occupied by standees in crowded conditions). On existing cars, convert several seats at one end of each car to folding seats or remove altogether, and designate as area for bicycles and other bulky objects. (This will also improve circulation and provide wheelchair space.)

Ensure that station development programs make provisions for safe bicycle entry, exit and parking.

Provide bicycle parking at all stations, designed with awareness of theft problem (i.e., racks must be sturdy, provide shelter, and permit bicycle frame to be secured at more than one point; where possible, place racks in view of station personnel).

Install bicycle lockers which commuters and other regular users can lease on annual, quarterly or monthly basis. Create guarded bicycle check rooms and bicycle parking garages at appropriate stations where substantial demand exists for bike-and-ride.

Alter appropriations policies restricting allocation of parking funds to automobiles.

Publicize bicycle parking facilities as part of a campaign to encourage bicycle commutation to stations.

Conduct surveys to gauge interest in commuter biking to train stations.

Publish requests for proposals for pilot bike rental programs and guarded bicycle parking garages at busy NYC and suburban stations, to be operated by bicycle stores or other businesses.