NYC Midtown Bike Parking

[Klaw]

Well unfortunately after having a nice reverse commute from Manhattan to Brooklyn via the Manhattan bridge I now have to work in midtown. I haven't sussed out the megacomplex I'll be working in but fairly certain bringing in my MTB aint gonna fly. So was hoping those savvy of the ways of the midtown chaos might know of various garages or bike racks in the Bryant Park area. There's a few listed on NYCbikemaps but none close or even remotely reasonable. Even though NYC is bike thief central, I am not particularly worried about a beater during office hours in a congested area but... I might change that view if I lose multiple beaters. Anyway, any info appreciated.

[Bacciagalupe]

Hrm, I'm not aware of any sort of actual bike garages in NYC. Can you strike a deal with a nearby parking garage?

It is also possible that there is some sort of bicycle storage facility in your building.

Also, I'd look into a folding bike. Check in with your new employer, they may have some allowances for a bagged folder like a Brompton or bike storage.

[TiberiusBTkirk]

I'm not sure but are there any bike racks at the side or back entrances to the NY Public Library?
don't think a bike would be target there, would it? who knows? my bike was stolen outside Gimbels
in Herald Square.

[zowie]

There are some good racks w lots of bikes by the office buildings on 6th Ave.
I don't think there are any garages now. I used to use one at 50 & Broadway through an informal arrangement but they kicked me out after 9/11. There was one in the mid-50s that took bikes for years although charged a lot but they changed their policy and won't now. Lack of safe parking has ended my bike commuting days. My trip is too long and hilly to use a beater or my Downtube folder. If you can find a smaller lot that's not run by a big parking conglomerate, you can probably give the guy a few bucks and chain up to the back fence, but they're not usually in the heart of midtown. Hit the pavement and ask around, maybe you'll get lucky.

[Klaw]

Thanks, yeah I'm considering a folder, and I'll check the bikerack situation on 6th (where the office is) and maybe check around the library. As for garages though most charge by the hour which is stupid. A coworker said an awesome business would be to set up a portable bike storage and shower/changing room... maybe one of those winnebagos they use for movie shoots. Slap the bikes on the roof, set some pickup/dropoff hours and you'd be set. Stock the fridge with Snapple or whatever... hey maybe get Snapple to finance it?

[Stacy]

Sunday Times City Section has a piece on the new bicycle shelter in Union Square. Wouldn't t be a good idea if they included these shelters on the NYC Bike Map?

Skinny Wheels and Others Get a Roof Over Their Heads (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/nyregion/thecity/06bike.html?ex=1365134400&en=0d36f620fb487bab&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink)

[Bacciagalupe]

BTW, go check out B Fold on 13th Street if you're looking for a folder. He's got quite a few, including Bromptons, which have the best fold imo.

[dendawg]

DOT seems to be installing bike racks midtown. I've noticed them on Broadway. There are 2 by the Citibank at 56th & Broadway, and 1 on 50th & Broadway. Access to them is usually blocked by sidewalk vendors.

[Klaw]

Well I found some bike shops near there, I'll suss them out this weekend to get the lowdown on the neighborhood, maybe if they have a rack there and if I'm a customer would they'd keep an eye peeled.

[Klaw]

Checked the area this afternoon. Bryant park has mini-racks (can lock 2 bikes) around it, interspersed pretty minimally... I saw maybe 10-12. There's no parking inside the park, and in front of the library there's nothing, saw a few bikes locked to signs. Hell's Kitchen seems fairly bike friendly/aware and saw literally dozens of racks, some on every block, so guess best best is to lock it up over there and walk a few blocks.

[smr260]

FYI for anybody who is curious about parking garages in Midtown...Transportation Alternatives has a list of garages on their website. Most of them charge car rates (ie. $37 per day, etc.). Ostensibly the most inexpensive option is 888 8th Avenue garage at $10/day, but I stopped by and they told me that it is actually a monthly fee of $175.

[zowie]

FYI for anybody who is curious about parking garages in Midtown...Transportation Alternatives has a list of garages on their website. Most of them charge car rates (ie. $37 per day, etc.). Ostensibly the most inexpensive option is 888 8th Avenue garage at $10/day, but I stopped by and they told me that it is actually a monthly fee of $175.

I stopped by 888 8th about a month ago and they told me they no longer accept bicycles.

[whatsmyname]

There are city racks on Fifth between 43rd and 44th.

[zowie]

There are lots of racks in the area. I have a hilly 48 mile roundtrip. I don't think I can handle it on the kind of bike that has a shot of lasting on the street or that I wouldn't be to upset if it was stolen.

[ZiP0082]

Sunday Times City Section has a piece on the new bicycle shelter in Union Square. Wouldn't t be a good idea if they included these shelters on the NYC Bike Map?

Skinny Wheels and Others Get a Roof Over Their Heads (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/nyregion/thecity/06bike.html?ex=1365134400&en=0d36f620fb487bab&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink)

I always hear Union Square called "The Bermuda Triangle" of the NYC cycling world. Park it there for a brief amount of time, and it'll disappear into thin air. I've been too scared to park near there :(

[zacster]

I've given up on the idea of ever bike commuting because of the dual problem of either parking a bike somewhere, or taking a folding bike into an office building. Neither seem to be possible. Eventually security will catch on to the bike in the bag, and I'm not sure I want a folding bike anyway, nor do I have the money to spend on something I may not use much. And parking seems to be a non-starter these days. The only option is a total clunker, and that would take some of the fun away if I have to struggle with it.