Cyclists Get PATH to Scrap Permit

Check current bikes-on-transit restrictions.

Area cyclists scored a victory last month when the PATH system eliminated bicycle permits. Pressure leveled on the Port Authority by cross-Hudson cyclists spurred PATH administrators to revisit the permit policy, and effective February 1, 1998, no permit is needed to board PATH trains with a bicycle. As before, bicycles are prohibited during weekday rush hours.

Dozens of cyclists' letters convinced PATH management that the permit requirement was needlessly restrictive. After consulting other transit agencies with more bicycle-friendly policies, the agency concluded that liability concerns were exaggerated. NYC Transit, Philadelphia's SEPTA and NJ Transit reported virtually no problems due to cyclists. "Most cyclists planning a multi-modal trip just want to get somewhere else. Plus, we want to discourage motor vehicle use," said Jim Conklin, PATH Superintendent of Transportation.

Send a letter to thank the following PATH folks who helped make this happen.

Mike De Pallo, Director/General Manager
Hugh McCann, Deputy Director
Jim Conklin, Superintendent of Transportation
1 PATH Plaza, 7th Fl.
Jersey City, NJ 07306