The Port Authority of NY & NJ Embraces Bicycling

The following statement was forwarded to me and originates from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It appears to be a internal memo:

*From: * PA Broadcast
*Sent: * Monday, March 29, 2010 12:17 PM
*Subject: * Office of the Executive Director Announcement

*THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY*

*PORT AUTHORITY NEWS BULLETIN*

*Office of the Executive Director*

*Bulletin #10-05*

March 29, 2010

Bicycling is a rapidly growing mode of transportation and the New York-New Jersey region is facing increased demand for expanded bicycle infrastructure, safer bicycle routes, access to transit connections and secure parking facilities. While we recognize that many Port Authority facilities currently provide some accommodations for bicycle users, we need to prepare more systematically for the growing use of bicycles as a mode of travel within the regional transportation system.

On February 25, 2010, the Board of Commissioners adopted the following policy:

In keeping with its mission to meet the critical transportation needs of the bi-state region, the Port Authority supports bicycling as an important and sustainable mode of travel. It seeks to provide its customers, tenants, visitors and employees with safe and convenient bicycle access and secure bicycle parking at its facilities, wherever
operationally and financially feasible.

The Board also authorized the Executive Director to take the followingsteps to advance the goals of this policy:

• Integrate improved bicycle access, safe bicycle lanes, and secure bicycle parking and storage into existing Port Authority buildings and facilities, owned or operated by the Port Authority.
• Ensure that design guidelines for new construction and major renovations include sufficient bicycle access, storage, and related amenities to meet emerging demand.
• Develop multimodal transit hubs that encourage biking and walking.
• Remove any unnecessary restrictions on bicycle access, and promote the safe coexistence of motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians at Port Authority facilities.
• Encourage tenants to expand bicycle access and accommodations.
• Coordinate bicycle facility improvements and intermodal connections with regional planning organizations, other regional transportation providers, and local governments to promote safe and seamless travel throughout the region.
  

The Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Capital Planning, and Chief of Real Estate and Development will be responsible for ensuring that the agency takes the preliminary steps necessary to implement this policy and will periodically report to me on the agency’s progress. They will also review interim bicycle master plans and provide final versions for my approval by September 30, 2010. Affected staff will soon receive additional information and guidance from them directly.

I encourage all Port Authority staff to make the most of this opportunity to creatively meet the region’s emerging transportation needs, advance the agency’s environmental commitments and contribute to a more sustainable regional transportation system. We will be able to better serve our customers, foster positive relationships with our communities, and contribute to improved employee health. I look forward to seeing a wide range of plans for meeting these objectives, and to sharing them with the region.

*///Original Signed By///*

Christopher O. Ward

Executive Director