Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycle Parking

TA: Zoning Great for Tomorrow; Bike Access Can Improve Today

From a statement released by Transportation Alternatives in response to this morning's bike parking announcement (emphasis added):

Transportation Alternatives applauds the Bloomberg Administration's announcement thatthe zoning code will now require indoor bicycle parking at all new office and apartmentbuildings. In enabling future New Yorkers to undertake zero emission commutes, this is alarge and necessary step towards a more sustainable city. It also makes good economicsense, as more and more tenants are demanding bicycle access so their workers can takeadvantage of this green, low-cost commuting alternative.

Even if the fortunes of the building industry improve, however, it will take decades for thisnew code to have a meaningful impact. Therefore the City must also act to enable bicycleaccess in the stock of existing buildings, which will still comprise at least 85% of NewYork City's building stock in 2030. Most commercial building operators refuse bicyclesaccess, even when the tenant has space set aside for bike parking in his or her office.

“Mayor Bloomberg's push for indoor bike parking in the zoning code is an investment inthe future. We need to match it with bicycle access to the office buildings of today,” saysPaul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

Legislation that would require existing commercial buildings to allow bicycles throughtheir doors has long sat idle in City Council. It is critical that the Council pass legislationrecognizing that in buildings throughout the city, bicycle space set aside by buildingtenants is not being used because building owners and managers are prohibiting workersfrom bringing their bicycles through front, side and even back doors and freight elevators.While it is unreasonable to require all owners of existing buildings to immediately setaside rentable space for bicycle parking, buildings should immediately be required toallow their tenants bicycle access to their own space.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts