MTA to lift bike permit requirements on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad

Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Reinforcing its longstanding commitment to sustainable transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced plans to lift bike permit requirements on both the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad.

From 7 September 2021, cyclists riding the rails will no longer be required to obtain a permit to travel with a full-size bike. LIRR and Metro-North customers will also not be required to present a bike permit on 22 August 2021, the day of Bike New York’s Five Boro Bike Tour. The event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic, draws tens of thousands of cyclists to the city. 

“Metro-North believes deeply in the value of sustainable transportation and looks forward to helping our customers to ride the system more seamlessly with their bikes in tow,” said Metro-North’s President, Cathy Rinaldi. “As more and more riders continue to return to the railways, it’s essential that we’re doing everything that we can to accommodate them, and making it easier to travel with bikes is one way of doing that. The number of cyclists has risen considerably during the pandemic, and it’s vital that mass transit plays a role in promoting that growth.” 

“The LIRR provides New Yorkers with access to a range of world class bike rides throughout Long Island,” said LIRR’s President, Phil Eng. “We continually strive to make it easier for everyone to access those adventures. We’ve always supported all modes of sustainable travel, and this news ensures our commitment to enhancing the cycling experience and quality of life throughout our geographic footprint. I’m excited to see more and more bike riders take the train to their cycling destinations of choice.” 

“Every day at Bike New York, we’re fighting for safer and more equitable streets and providing free bike education to more than 30,000 New Yorkers each year,” said Bike New York’s President and CEO, Kenneth J. Podziba. “And we couldn’t do the work that we do on behalf of New Yorkers if it weren’t for our incredible partners, like the MTA.” 

Other rules for bringing bikes on board the LIRR and Metro-North continue to apply. Non-folding bikes are not allowed on rush hour trains or on holidays. On weekdays, up to four bikes per train are allowed. On weekends, up to eight bikes per train are allowed. The MTA encourages cyclists to look for bicycle trains on weekends. These accommodate more than eight bikes. These trains are indicated on published timetables with a bicycle symbol and a plus sign.