Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to conduct a pilot program involving the installation of structures on subway steps designed to facilitate movement of bicycles.

Res. No. 279

Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to conduct a pilot program involving the installation of structures on subway steps designed to facilitate movement of bicycles.

By Council Member Menchaca

                     Whereas, Bicycles are permitted on the subway, but most stations do not have elevators; and

                     Whereas, Carrying a bicycle up and down the stairs in the subway system can be difficult and unwieldy at best and impossible for some people; and                     

                     Whereas, Other cities, including San Francisco, Copenhagen, and Seoul, have installed narrow bicycle ramps along the sides of stairways in their public transportation systems to facilitate the movement of bicycles; and

                     Whereas, The San Francisco ramps cost approximately $100,000 per stairway; and

                     Whereas, The ramps are situated mostly under handrails in space not otherwise used by individuals using the stairway; and

                     Whereas, Ramps also alleviate the obstruction, bottlenecks, and potential hazards that can be caused by customers lugging their bicycles up and down subway stairs; and

                     Whereas, Cycling is an environmentally-friendly and healthy transportation alternative; and

                     Whereas, New York City has undertaken numerous measures to encourage cycling, most notably expanding its bicycle lane network and introducing a bicycle-share system; and

                     Whereas, Narrow bicycle ramps on subway stairs would be an unobtrusive and relatively inexpensive method of continuing to make New York a bicycle-friendly city; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to conduct a pilot program involving the installation of structures on subway steps designed to facilitate movement of bicycles.

JM

LS# 2135/Res. 386-2014

LS# 982

1/4/2018