Jersey City’s Latest Transportation Initiative Promotes Mobility & Sustainability through Innovation
JERSEY CITY — Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Infrastructure announced today the activation of free 24/7 secure public bike storage as part of the Fulop Administration's extensive mobility efforts to provide greener options for commuting and reducing vehicular traffic with locations strategically placed around Jersey City’s busiest transportation hubs. At no cost to Jersey City, secure storage is being offered free to all users, including bicycles and micromobility vehicles, through Oonee. The first two locations will be activated this week at the Danforth Avenue Light Rail Station and McGinley Square.
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. Coupled with the recent expansion of CitiBike stations and electric-powered devices, Jersey City is experiencing a surge in bicycle use and other alternative modes of transportation — one of the most proven effective ways of reducing a city’s carbon footprint, enhancing safety of all users, improving health outcomes, and promoting equity through transportation.
“Launching this citywide network of secure bike storage puts Jersey City at the forefront once again in advancing sustainability and transportation goals utilizing innovative approaches and public-private partnerships,” said Mayor Fulop. “Earlier this month, we celebrated the reopening of our only ferry service outside of downtown with discounted fares and free Via rides to and from the terminal, focusing on expanding connectivity for our low- and middle-income residents. This partnership with Oonee is our latest initiative as part of our holistic approach to meeting the community’s comprehensive mobility needs.”
“Equity is at the core of all of our transportation infrastructure planning,” added Barkha Patel, Director of Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure. “This program will bring secure bike parking, cited in many studies as a barrier to bicycling as a primary means of transportation for underserved communities, to all areas of the City.”
The City’s system is provided by Oonee, a Brooklyn-based company that focuses on building high-quality streetscape infrastructure and services. The initial phase of the system will include secure parking for over 80 devices accessible at the following locations:
- McGinley Square
- Exchange Place
- Washington & Montgomery Streets
- Danforth Avenue Light Rail Station
- Grove Street PATH Station
- Newport PATH Station
“We are excited that Jersey City will be adding
secure bike parking to the robust bike network that has been developed under Mayor Fulop,” said BikeJC President Ayla Schermer. “This critical aspect of the City’s infrastructure will serve to foster the recent growth in cycling that Jersey City has experienced.”
An additional 24 secure bike parking stations are planned throughout the City following the launch of this initial phase to give all of the City’s neighborhoods access to this amenity.
“We’re absolutely delighted to deliver this service to the residents of Jersey City,” concluded Shabazz Stuart, CEO of Oonee. “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.”
Residents can sing 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 is available for all regular users. For more details on permitted vehicles and all other information on the City’s new secure bike lockers, please visit the Oonee website.
All media inquiries should be directed to Kimberly Scalcione at [email protected].