New Jersey’s First Bike Depot Opens Today at Bay Street Station in Montclair

On Oct 16, 2014

Montclair area commuters now have a secure place to store bicycles at the Bay Street train station.  Today, Montclair Township, in partnership with the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, unveiled a new Bike Depot – the first of its kind in the state – to provide safe, secure, weather-protected storage for bikes, helmets and personal items.

“Montclair wants to expand access to our six commuter train stations by providing alternative transportation options and the new Bike Depot is an integral part of this,” said Montclair’s Mayor Robert Jackson.  “Not only is it another step toward becoming a more sustainable community by helping reduce vehicle emissions and lowering our carbon footprint, it also encourages residents to adopt a more healthful lifestyle. We thank all our sponsors for their generous support for this endeavor.”

The Bike Depot, which also has a 24/7 security camera, is available to anyone for a small membership fee; members will use an access card to gain entry.  It will hold 24 bikes on two-tiered racks and offer 18 lockers for rent.

“Most bike racks at NJ Transit stations are out in the open, leaving bikes subject to be vandalized or stolen,” said Cyndi Steiner, executive director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition.  “Because commuters can now store a bike securely in the Bike Depot, a safer, higher quality bike can be ridden to the train station, providing alternative transportation options to commuters from a greater distance. The Bike Depot will serve as a model for other NJ Transit train stations.”

The Bike Depot is made possible through grants from the Sustainable Jersey small grants program, PSEG, Partners for Health, and in-kind support from The Pinnacle Companies, a local real estate developer with a focus on sustainable projects.  Additional sponsorships are available for companies with a bike/pedestrian or sustainability vision.

“This cutting-edge facility represents Montclair’s commitment to ‘having bikes and feet on every street,’” said Councilwoman Renee Baskerville, 4th Ward.  “It will allow commuters to bike from home to the train and have safe, convenient bike parking, and it will also allow people who come from other areas to our beautiful Township to have access to their bicycles as a means of visiting our shops, restaurants, entertainment, museums, parks and more.

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