There are public sidewalk bike racks installed at popular transit and business spots across the five boroughs. With more cyclists on NYC streets every day, the demand for public bike parking continues to grow, despite the fact that city adds almost 2,000 bike racks a year. The growth in cycling is a great thing, but the chronic shortage of bike parking is not. Transportation Alternatives advocates for increased funding to the NYC Department of Transportation's CityRack bike parking program.

Click here to find a CityRack or request one on your block.

Transportation Alternatives recently partnered with the NYC Department of Transportation on the CityRacks Design Competition to redesign the official NYC bike rack. This means the standard, black inverted-U rack will be phasing out in favor of a hot new bike parking look on NYC streets. The new NYC circle racks will be hitting the pavement during the summer months of 2009. Check out the new design here.

Keep in mind, the rules regarding bike parking to street signs are unclear, which means that there is always a chance your bike could be removed. If you do lock to street signs try not to block the sidewalk for pedestrians. As for private property (scaffolding, fences, railings, awning posts), it is up to the property owner/manager to allow or disallow bike parking.

If you are interested in installing your own bike rack on city-owned property, you will need to apply for a permit to do so here:

DOT Office of Permit Management
40 Worth Street, Room 905
New York, NY 10013
212-442-7292
fax 212-442-7252

GOOD BIKE PARKING CHOICES:

Designated Bike Racks-NYC Circle Racks, Inverted-U Racks, Ribbon Racks, Spiral Racks, Double-U Rack, etc. Visit CityRacks for all public rack information.
Covered Bike Parking Shelters-Located at popular subway stops (they resemble bus shelters). The NYC DOT has the bike parking shelter locations mapped out.
Garages with Designated Bike Parking-Visit transalt.org for locations or ask your local parking garage if they want to start a program of their own.

BAD BIKE PARKING CHOICES:

Trees-Fine: $1000.
Street Sign Posts with Missing Signage-Your bike and lock can be lifted up and off the sign. Be sure that the post is secure in the ground.
"X" Bars of Scaffolding-These beams can easily be detached with wrenches.
Bus Stop Signs-This is where people are entering and exiting the bus.
Doormen or Security Guards-They will not leave their posts if someone runs off with your bike.
Unattended- Even for "just a minute." A thief will have the speed advantage!

USE TWO LOCKS
If you are locking your bike outside, we recommend a heavy-duty chain and padlock. You might also consider a second lock to secure your wheel. Become a T.A. member and get a great deal on a Kryptonite lock! transalt.org/join

SECURE BOTH WHEELS AT ALL TIMES
Either remove the front wheel and take it with you or use a second lock and lock both wheels together.

SECURE YOUR SEAT
Lock your seat to your frame or take it with you, especially if you have a bike with a quick-release seat clamp. A bit of bicycle chain connecting your seat to your frame can be a great and cheap solution.

LOCK AWAY FROM THE CURB
If you lock to a street sign, keep it safe from careless driving and parking. Position your bike parallel to the sidewalk, on the building side of the sign.

Check out Transportation Alternatives' Bicycle Parking Solutions manual for information and tips on winning indoor bike parking where you live and work. T.A. is also working hard to ensure that common sense legislation is passed to ensure that indoor bike parking is mandated citywide.