NYC Imposes Bike Parking Requirements

"It will really transform the culture of the city, from a car-oriented city to a bike-oriented city," Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden said.

The Planning Commission will vote on the new rules after a public comment period lasting several months. If approved, the regulations will become part of city zoning law.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 2007 blueprint for a more sustainable city included a push for bike use.

Transportation officials are doubling the city's bike lanes and expect to have 420 miles of bike lanes in place by June 2009. They also are installing thousands of on-street bike racks, including some designed by Talking Heads singer and bicycling enthusiast David Byrne.

But surveys show that the lack of secure bicycle parking is a stumbling block preventing New Yorkers from cycling to work or to perform errands.

"We have found that one of the greatest impediments to more biking is the lack of space to store your bike long term at home and at work," Burden said.

Thanks to Jen Houser