At least they’re not doing it elsewhere on the island, as they had originally declared. So visitors to the island should still be OK locking up late/overnight near where they’re visiting.

Although I am not an RI resident, it seems as if the set of affected cyclists has now shrunk to the intersection of two groups: islanders who bike from their RI dwellings to the subway/tram, but no further; and islanders who stay out until after 2 am. Is this correct, or am I misreading Shane’s correspondence?

One more thing: Randy, which cyclists are not included in the set of “legitimate cyclists”?

We are enforcing the policy as to bikes overnight at the Tram and subway only. We have nothing to do with the Octagon bike rack. The purpose of enforcement is to free up the racks for commuters so as to encourage bicycle ridership. Locking to street signs or other “fixtures” is not allowed. If you’re out past 2AM, either plan ahead and take the bus or retrieve your bike from PS when and if it is taken from the rack. It’s a strange parent that doesn’t know their own child. Similarly with bicycles. We are always considering alternatives and want to thank you for your suggestions. The grace period was for the week when the policy was first announced and is not in effect. Enforcement is having a salutary effect. Witness the available spaces in the racks by the Tram and Subway.

Stephen H. Shane
President & CEO
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.
(212) 832-4540 x 319
(212) 832-4582 (fax)

Basically they’re saying “screw you” to legitimate cyclists who happen to be a small enough minority that it’s easier to ignore them than to do things more sensibly….. and I have no idea what the “strange parent” thing means.

And Gary, I dont think you’ll be voting for anyone in this neighborhood, because according to your blog, you live in Greenpoint.

What is a commuter who works third shift supposed to do? How about someone who just lives by the train or tram and bikes off island either over the bridge into queens or rides the tram with their bike?

Is the only justifiable use of the bike racks that they be used by RI residents to bike the one mile(at the most) from their apartment in the Octagon to the train/tram for their 9-5 job after which they promptly return home and never go anywhere late at night?

I am sure I will not be voting for someone who applauds that kind of policy.

I like what’s been proposed in the report. I very much dislike what has been implemented by RIOC, as it is in fact discouraging bicycle use.

I’m assuming you are supporting the goal, but not the methods being implemented to achieve it? I think you should word your comments very carefully, especially when speaking on behalf of a Senator. “gary fisher” obviously confused your support of abandoned bike removal for support of this particular method of ALL bike removal.

1. Hit up the Roosevelt island thrift store for some bikes.

2. Do not vote for Senator Serrano.

Improving cycling infrastructure was one of the recommendations made by AccessRI, a comprehensive community planning study conducted by group of Graduate Students from the Hunter College Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, Commissioned by New York State Senator José M. Serrano’s Office. The group suggested making use of abandoned bikes left on bike racks for extended periods and in turn freeing up space for others.

To find out more information about AccessRI check out their blog http://accessri.blogspot.com/
They will be releasing their final report shortly.

Yvonne Przybyla
Urban Policy Analyst
Senator José M. Serrano

Serrano.nysenate.gov
evie.nys@gmail.com

Imagine if we applied this concept to car parking. Don’t add more car parking spaces, just donate any cars that park too long to charity.

The rack was full Monday afternoon when I passed it.

Bikes are going to be your only transport on weekends when the F decides not to go there and the tram goes down for more than a year — coming soon.

We are slowly getting “home rule” in that we are slowing being able to elect individuals as nominees to RIOC’s Board of Directors, who then are hopefully appointed by the Governor or Mayor to the Board after they are confirmed by the State Senate. Not exactly direct elections but the best, under the state law, we are currently being afforded.

Once the new Directors are seated I am hoping current policies like the overnight parking ban can be rethought and worked out in a manner that works for all sides.

A daily clearing is like tossing the baby with the bath water.

After all, you don’t see towed cars donated to the thrift store after 2 days….

I can see how it would be frustrating for regular commuters not to be able to find a parking spot because all the good racks were occupied with semi-abandoned bicycles: the kind the owner leaves locked up outside all winter.