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

Roosevelt Island Bike Racks Cleared … So Cyclists Can Use Them

2009May_27_Space_Cleared.jpgPhoto: Roosevelt Island 360

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, as promised, has begun confiscating bikes left overnight on public bike racks near the subway and tram stations. Roosevelt Island 360 reports that 17 bikes were removed as of Wednesday, while three others were tagged with warning fliers (RIOC needed a "special tool," not immediately available, to remove locks from the tagged bikes).

An email exchange between RI 360 and the RIOC reveals that, as of yesterday, one bike had been claimed "without incident" from the island's Department of Public Safety, where confiscated bikes are to be held 48 hours before being donated to a thrift store. Wrote public safety director Keith Guerra:

We are noticing that many residents have removed their bikes on theirown and there is now plenty of room for those that wish to use the bikeracks.

Gotta hand it to those Roosevelt Island bureaucrats: They sure have a way with words.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Andy Byford’s ‘Trump Card’ On Penn Station Keeps Wrecking New York’s Infrastructure Projects

What will become of the Amtrak executive's plans for Penn Station under President Trump?

February 6, 2026

FLASHBACK: What Happened To Car-Free ‘Snow Routes’ — And Could They Have Helped City Clear the Streets?

Remember those bright red signs that banned parking from snow emergency routes? Here is the curious story of how New York City abandoned a key component of its snow removal system.

February 6, 2026

Council Transportation Chair Vows To Take On Drivers: ‘I Don’t Want To Just Futz Around the Edges’

Streetsblog grilled new chairman Shaun Abreu, who says he wants to bring more life and fewer cars to the street.

February 6, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: New York’s Strongest Edition

It's still snow problem around town. Plus other news.

February 6, 2026

Budget Crunch: Advocates Push Mamdani For Massive Fair Fares Expansion

The expansion would offer free transit on the subway and bus for people making up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which is not a lot.

February 5, 2026
See all posts