First secured bike parking coming to Grand Central Terminal
Secured bicycle parking is coming to Grand Central Terminal for the first time in the bustling train hall’s 108-year history, MTA officials announced Monday.
The bike storage will launch in November as a yearlong pilot, with the agency approving a small locker for up to six bikes along Vanderbilt Ave. and 43rd St. — the terminal’s former “taxiway” that closed in 2001.
The locker will be operated by the company Oonee, and bike owners will need a smartphone app or key card to gain access. The six free spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, officials said.
Officials approved the locker to remain in place for a year.
“We are excited to work with a local partner for this pilot, which has game-changing potential to expand to more Metro-North stations as well as subway and LIRR stations throughout the New York City region,” said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi.
The announcement follows a policy shift this year that ended the requirement for riders to have a special permit to take their bikes on Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North trains.
Still, bike advocates are frustrated with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s lack of focus on bike storage at subway and railroad stations across New York.
A bill passed by the Legislature in June would require the MTA to create a plan to “improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges and passenger stations,” but the legislation still requires a signature from Gov. Hochul.
