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

Roosevelt Islanders Denied Overnight Bike Parking [Updated]

RIrack.JPGPhoto: Roosevelt Island 360

Just in time for Bike to Work Day: Cyclists on Roosevelt Island were informed by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation this week that bikes may no longer be parked on public racks overnight. Here's the vaguely Orwellian RIOC memo from yesterday, care of Roosevelt Island 360:

While we wish to encourage residents continuing to ride their
bicycles as it is a healthy activity, we wish to discourage residents
from storing their bicycles overnight on the bicycle racks throughout
the island.

Bicycles will be removed by the
Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department between the hours of 2:00
a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and stored at Public Safety for a period of 48
hours. If the owner retrieves their bicycle during the 48 hour period
there will be no charge for storing their bicycle. If the owner does
not retrieve their bicycle during the 48 hour period it will be donated
to the Thrift Shop.

Storing the bicycles on the
bike racks has been a quality of life issue for many residents, thus we
wish to address this quality of life issue.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

How using a bike rack for its intended purpose could offend one's quality of life sensibilities is an open question, and we have a call in to the RIOC for clarification. In the meantime, wonders one Roosevelt Island 360 reader:

Where else are we supposed to park our bikes over night? Is the RIOCgoing to offer us any alternative? Are we supposed to bring our bikesinto our apartments now? How about we don't allow cars to park on thestreets over night anymore?

Update: We got a call from RIOC President Steve Shane, who basically confirmed what Eric of Roosevelt Island 360 had to say. According to Shane, the new no-overnight parking rule is meant to keep racks clear of "rusty, abandoned bikes," and to make it easier for regular commuters and recreational cyclists to use them. Shane says the abundance of derelict bikes has caused an unwelcome "spillover," leading cyclists to chain up wherever they can. RIOC is still working on a permanent fix. "We are never finished looking at ideas," Shane said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Analysis: Hochul’s $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won’t Reduce Traffic as Much

A $9 could raise enough money for the MTA and save face for Kathy Hochul, but it would not reduce traffic nearly enough.

November 8, 2024

Friday Video: Busting the ‘City of Yes’ Myths

There are many lies being told about Mayor Adams's City of Yes rezoning plan. So let's debunk them together!

November 8, 2024

New City Trash Bin Rules Begin Tuesday

New Yorkers who live in buildings with nine of fewer units must put their trash out in bins on the sidewalk starting Tuesday.

November 8, 2024

No Charges as Bus Driver Kills Senior at Dangerous Downtown Brooklyn Crossing

No surprise: In just the 22 months since January 2023, there have been 70 reported crashes on the single block of Tillary Street between Jay and Adams streets

November 7, 2024
See all posts