Take Brakes Off NYC Bicycle Parking Projects, Study Argues

NEW YORK CITY — Don’t assume bicycles get a free ride on the city’s streets.

Bicycle parking is an even worse problem than long-suffering city cyclists already know, a new study by Transportation Alternatives argued.

The city offers only one bicycle parking space for every 116 bikes through the five boroughs, the study found. Not only that, there 100 free car parking spaces for every bicycle spot, it states.

“Simply put, there is not enough bicycle parking in New York City,” said Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, in a statement. “Despite more households owning bikes than cars, bike parking has taken a back seat to free private car storage on our streets.”

Transportation Alternatives has long-advocated for greater access and protections for cyclists — a group that has only grown during the coronavirus pandemic.

But the lack of bicycle parking spaces could cause many would-be cyclists to back pedal on two-wheeled transport, the study argued.

“When people choose not to bicycle, or choose to bicycle less often, lack of parking is the number two factor in their decision,” the study states. “Fear of bicycle theft may also deter cyclists from using a bicycle to travel to public transit or shop at local businesses.”

City officials could alleviate the problem but have put the brakes on at least 11 separate plans to build bicycle parking.

The city failed to meet goals to build bicycle parking near transit hubs, add 1,500 bicycle parking spaces annually, among other plans.

Going forward, city officials should make bicycle corrals city property, reclaim car parking spots for bicycles and create secure parking cages, the study argued.

Read the full study here.