Council backs mandate for bike parking in most new residential buildings...

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Jersey City council puts brakes on bike space ordinance, will study other cities' measures
Published: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 3:55 AM     Updated: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 7:37 AM
Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

A measure that would have required most new Jersey City residential and commercial structures to include space for bicycle parking was postponed by the City Council last night.

The proposed ordinance, which was given initial approval by an 8-1 vote last month, had been set for adoption last night. The council voted unanimously to table the proposal.

Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop, who supports the ordinance, as does local bicycle advocacy group Bike JC, said the city would like to look at similar ordinances in other cities before the city settles on a ratio of bike spaces to residential units.

The proposed regulations would require a minimum of one-half a bicycle space per bedroom in all residential buildings aside from one- and two-family homes, which would be exempt.

The requirement would also apply to retail establishments over 5,000 square feet, which would have to house a minimum of four bike spaces, and schools, which would need anywhere from 1.5 to four spaces per classroom.

Houses of worship would not be exempt, with the proposal requiring them to have one space per 20 seats.

[MCA™]

Jersey City council backs mandate for including bike parking in most new residential buildings, large stores, hospitals, churches
Published: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 7:16 AM
Updated: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 7:18 AM
The Jersey Journal

The Jersey City City Council last night introduced a measure that would require most new structures in the city to include spaces to park bicycles.

The ordinance sailed through with little objection and no debate. Eight members voted in favor, with Council President Peter Brennan the lone "no" vote.

The requirement would apply to all residential units other than one- and two-family homes, plus retail establishments over 5,000 square feet, and schools.

Houses of worship would not be exempt, with the proposal requiring them to have one space per 20 seats.

Brennan said he's not opposed to encouraging bicycle use, but he thinks developers have enough problems designing residential structures with enough parking for cars, let alone bikes.

"I think it's an added burden on developers," he said.

At Monday's council caucus, City Planner Kristen Russell said developers would have to "find a way" to include car and bicycle parking when designing their new buildings.

Bikes could go in the rear of a structure, in room off a lobby or on racks in a garage, Russell said.

"It's really a design decision on the part of the developer," she said.

The proposed bike-parking regulations would also affect new hospitals (one exterior space for every 20,000 square feet; one interior space for every 50,000 square feet); parking garages and lots (equivalent to 5 percent of auto parking); and parks (one space per 5,000 square feet).

Last night's vote needs to be affirmed once again by the council before it is adopted.

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