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

Ask the RIOC: May I Park My Bike Tonight?

12:51 PM EDT on June 29, 2009

bikerackafterenforcement.jpgMission accomplished? Plenty of room at the RI subway station rack. Photo: Roosevelt Islander

It seems the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has altered its policy prohibiting overnight bike rack parking. In an effort to keep them clear of abandoned bikes, the RIOC previously announced that any bike found on the public racks by the subway and tram stations between 2 and 5 a.m. would be confiscated and, if not claimed within 48 hours, donated to the island thrift store.

Now, reports Roosevelt Islander, the RIOC is making allowances for late-night cyclists -- providing they let the agency know who they are ahead of time.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director [Keith] Guerra advises that bikes maybe locked up at the tram and subway bike racks during the 2-5 AM hoursbut there has been no change in the policy that prohibits overnightstorage of bikes on a regular basis. The intent of this policy is toallow late night commuters to use the bike racks, not to allowresidents to use these bike racks as a permanent storage area as somehave previously been doing. As of now, contact the Public Safety Departmenteach day you plan on having your bicycle locked up at the Subway orTram bike racks during the 2-5 AM hours and it will not be removed. Ifyou need your bike locked up during these hours on a regular basis,advise the Public Safety Department of your situation. They willattempt to work out a solution.

Does this sound like a viable step to meet regular island cyclists halfway -- or is it, however well-intentioned, another obstacle to getting around by bike? We're especially interested in hearing from cyclists who have, or will be, "registering" with RIOC.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’

"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."

September 29, 2023

City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct

Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.

September 28, 2023
See all posts