Cyclists Must Now Dismount Along the North Cove Marina Plaza

On the first day that "Cycle Dismount" signs appeared on the North Cove Marina plaza, some riders obeyed the signs while others ignored them. Photo: April Koral/Tribeca Trib

Cyclists who want to travel around the North Cove Marina in Battery Park City now have to make their way on foot.

The Battery Park City Authority on Thursday instituted a “dismount zone” on the marina plaza where there have long been complaints of cyclists whizzing by pedestrians, sometimes perilously close. For many cyclists, as well as pedestrians, that area provides a connection between the north and south esplanades of Battery Park City.

The new rules are part of an initiative by the Authority “to review bicycle usage on the Esplanade, and developing recommendations for the most balanced, effective use of this incredible public space,” the authority’s president, Shari Hyman, said in a statement. A yet-to-be-formed task force that includes Community Board 1 members will work on the recommendations.

“Cyclist Dismount” signs were posted at the northern end of the marina near North End Avenue and the south side of the marina near the Police Memorial.  

Asked how the new rule would be enforced, Nick Sbordone, the authority’s communications director, said in a telephone interview that “Brookfield has security, and our Ambassadors as well.” Neither have the authority to issue tickets. During a brief period of observation on Thursday afternoon, the Trib found about an even mix of cyclists who observed the signs on their own, and those who didn’t. But about three out of four cyclists who were asked by a Brookfield security guard at the north end of the plaza to dismount complied with his request; the rest ignored him. There was no security guard posted during that time at the southern end.

At the June meeting of CB1’s Battery Park City Committee, Sbordone announced the authority’s intention to have “some type of limitation or elimination of bicycle riding on the esplanade” now that the bike path along West Street has reopened.

The possible elimination of bike riding on the esplanade got a cold reception from cyclists in the room, who said the bike path along West Street was impassable in places where it was clogged with tourists.

“I think it’s a terrible idea to get rid of bikes on the promenade,” committee member Jeff Mihok said. “It’s my right to bike along the promenade and be along the river.”

Additional reporting by April Koral.