In honor of Bike Month, the MTA last week unveiled a new web site that promotes bike-and-ride commuting while providing a one-stop source for info on the numerous logistical hurdles faced by cycling customers. "MTA+Bike" was launched on Friday.
On this website ... travelers can obtain information about policies for bringing bikes on board the New York City Subway, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and Staten Island Railway and can learn about the availability of bike lockers near regional railroad stations and bike lanes on bridges operated by MTA Bridges & Tunnels.
The site also announces two "recently clarified" policies:
- Folding bikes, appropriately folded, are considered luggage and not subject to rules governing standard frame bicycles. Therefore, folding bicycles can be brought on board local buses as if they were a backpack or suitcase. They can also be brought aboard LIRR and Metro-North trains at any time without a permit and are best stored in the overhead luggage racks. Conventional bikes are not allowed on board buses operated by New York City Transit, the MTA Bus Company or Long Island Bus.
- Bicycles can be brought aboard the Staten Island Railway except on rush-hour trains traveling in the peak direction.
It's nice to see MTA acknowledging bike-and-ride like this, and it would be even better if the agency would partner with DOT on siting additional bike parking near train stations. While the city is working on measures that would make it easier for cyclists to find secure parking at the workplace, as previewed by DOT's Josh Benson last week, for cyclists who need to park before riding, or who won't benefit from new zoning that might require indoor parking, here is what MTA+Bike has to say:
Bicycle racks provided by the New York City Department of Transportation are available near many Subway entrances. Bicycles chained to Subway entrance railings will be removed and delivered to the Lost Property Unit (212-712-4500), so please lock up your bike appropriately.
