The City of Jersey City unveiled a free 24/7 bike storage pod at the Newport PATH Station, which provides capacity for 24 micromobility devices in partnership with Oonee and Newport.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The free 24/7 secure public bike storage is part of our extensive mobility efforts to provide greener options for commuting and reducing vehicular traffic,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“As a result of our innovative approaches in advancing sustainability and transportation, Jersey City is experiencing a surge in bicycle use and other alternative modes of transportation.”
The newest storage pod is located at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Town Square Place and the city’s bike storage system is provided by Oonee, a Brooklyn-based company that builds high-quality streetscape infrastructure and services. B
eyond the initial phase that has been launched, Jersey City’s system will expand to include an additional 25 secure bike parking stations planned throughout the city to give all residents access to the amenity.
“We are absolutely delighted to deliver this service to the residents of Jersey City,” added Oonee CEO Shabazz Stuart.
“Secure bike parking is one of the most important elements of a thriving bicycle and micromobility ecosystem; with this initiative, we are building much-needed infrastructure with fidelity to the principles of equity, inclusion, and human-scaled design.”
Since becoming the first in New Jersey to adopt Vision Zero in 2017, more than 20 miles of protected bike lanes have been built with connections spanning the city to promote safe mobility options.
The city council also approved an ordinance this week that will enable $175 fines for cars that park in bike lanes.
The Newport PATH pod joins the city’s network of secure bike docks and curbside facilities already activated at the Danforth Avenue Light Rail Station, McGinley Square, Exchange Place, and the intersection of Washington Avenue and Montgomery Street.
Plans for the next phase will expand Oonee bicycle storage pods with locations strategically placed around Jersey City’s busiest transportation hubs.
“The new secure bike parking pod at Newport PATH demonstrates the city’s commitment to the community,” noted Jersey City Department of Infrastructure Director Barkha Patel.
“This new infrastructure element not only provides much-needed secure bike parking, cited in many studies as a barrier to bicycling as a primary means of transportation for underserved communities, to a major transit hub, but it also showcases public art from a respected member of the Greenville community in an area that might not otherwise provide such a platform.”
Residents can sign up for a free online account or download the Oonee mobile app. Oonee follows a three-day parking limit during peak times to ensure space for all regular users.
For more details on permitted vehicles and all other information on the city’s new secure bike parking, please visit the Oonee website.
“We are excited to partner with Oonee and the City of Jersey City by bringing to Newport another sustainability-focused amenity that also ensures bikes are protected,” stated Newport Managing Director David Thom.
“Creative concepts – like Oonee’s – that enhance space while making it easier to get around the neighborhood further our goal to continually improve the experience of all who live, work, and play in Newport.”
