What is CityRacks?

CityRacks is a program run by the New York City Department of Transportation that provides free sidewalk bicycle parking racks throughout New York City to encourage cycling for commuting, short trips and errands. CityRacks are not intended to be used for long-term parking.

How will CityRacks benefit my neighborhood?

CityRacks provides added convenience for the entire cycling community: businesses, commuters, shoppers, messengers and food diliverers and students. Businesses can expand their client base and improve customer satisfaction by providing convenient parking nearby. Also, the availability of CityRacks parking discourages cyclists from parking at mailboxes, parking meters, trees, and other sidewalk structures.

What do the bicycle racks look like?

The bicycle accommodates all types of bicycles and locks. The racks are continuous curve square tubing pipe made of black coated polyester finish steel. CityRacks are installed in two sizes: an upside-down "U" rack for two bikes and a double loop for five bikes.

Where are CityRacks installed?

DOT installs CityRacks on sidewalks throughout the five boroughs. The sites selected are virtually everywhere bicyclists go: business districts, neighborhood shopping areas, universities, museums, libraries. Due to high volumes of requests for CityRacks, DOT prioritizes installation in areas that would benefit from clusters of bicycle parking such as transit stops, commercial corridors and other neighborhood destinations. DOT has standard guidelines for where bike racks can be cited. FixCity has developed a useful citizen's brochure and video that explains these guidelines.

In general, CityRacks must be placed

• on City-owned property
• on wide concrete sidewalks (minimum sidewalk width 12 feet)
• away from the natural flow of pedestrians, usually at the curb and always away from crosswalks
• a minimum of 6 feet from street signs, mailboxes, benches or telephones
• up to 13 feet away from fire hydrants, and 15 feet from bus stop shelters and newsstands
• CityRacks can not be installed on pavers, cobblestone, brick, stone/slate slabs, custom/patterned concrete or metal gratings.

How are CityRacks installed?

After a request is received and evaluated, those sites deemed suitable for inspection will be given an on-site evaluation. If the location is approved, it will be added to the contractor's next order for manufacturing and installation. After installation, the CityRacks remain the property of the City of New York. The City assumes responsibility for the rack but not the bicycles parked at it.

How to suggest new or additional CityRacks or report a damaged rack?

Suggest a location for a City Rack, using either an online or downloadable form. Please note that because of the great interest in this program, we are not able to provide a personal response for each suggestion. Bulk requests from Business Improvement Districts, civic associations or other groups of community members are encouraged and will be prioritized. To report a damaged rack, use our online repair form or our printable form (pdf). Mail printable forms to:

CityRacks
New York City Department of Transportation
55 Water Street, 6th floor
New York, NY 10041

How to request permission to install your own sidewalk rack?

CityRacks is partially funded by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Transportation Enhancement Program, administered through Region 11, New York State Department of Transportation.