What’s this? A delightful new bicycle parking shelter on the north side of Union Square Park.
Modern design, a large NYC cycling map, and clearly in use by cyclists.
A PSA from New York City Bicycle Safety Coalition on the side. This was all looking pretty good until a closer look found…
D’oh! The new bike shelters are a wonderful addition to the streetscape, and just the fact that they were installed at all is revolutionary for New York. However, the unfortunate theft highlights the need for multiple parking options, including secure indoor locations. Theft will obviously always occur, but let’s try our best to make it as rare as possible.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Secure parking is like the tooth fairy or the easter bunny. Bikes, like cars, are attractive to steal because you can ride them away from the scene of the theft. Lock both wheels to the frame, fasten the chain or u-lock tightly enough so it doesn’t touch the ground, and get renter’s insurance, which will cover your stolen bike.
The bike shelters should have more security features – maybe a better attachement for the bikes to be secured to.
The city should check out the bike racks outside of the citigroup building downtown. They have giant steel boxes that you put your lock in so the only way to open it is by sticking your hand with the key in. No big clippers or hammers can even get to the lock.