Photos by Ellen Jaffe.

Purpose

To support growth of sustainable tourism and enhance residents’ access to green space, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and New York Cycle Club are collaborating on a pilot program to increase bicycle capacity aboard NYC Ferry on select trips and under specific conditions.

Policy Overview

While current boarding policy allows up to (10) bikes per trip, NYC Ferry will permit up to (24) bikes on designated trips, provided all conditions below are met.

Eligibility Criteria

• This program only applies to weekends and holidays—and only to the first scheduled ferry trip of the day.

• Riders must be part of an NYC Ferry-approved bike club or organization and participating in a group ride for which the organization has reserved capacity.

• The group must provide the NYC Ferry with at least five (5) day’s notice of the planned trip including: route, departure time, landings where riders will be boarding and disembarking, total number of riders, and the name and contact info for the group leader.

• To ensure the safety of all passengers, crew, and cyclists, the following safety protocols must be observed:

Boarding and Disembarking 

• Since this applies to the first scheduled trip of the day, bikes may be allowed to board up to five minutes early if the vessel is available.

• Groups must board and disembark in an orderly, coordinated manner to avoid delays or congestion.

• Bike groups are encouraged to board at Wall St/Pier 11 and East 34th Street.

Storage

• All bicycles must be stored inside the main cabin between rows of seats on each side of the boat (ie; not middle rows.)

• Bikes must face the port (left) side of the boat so chains are not touching seats.

• Bikes may not occupy rows of seat with adjoining tables.

• Aisles, exits, and emergency equipment must remain unobstructed at all times and bicycles must remain secured in their designated areas throughout the trip.

• Motorized bicycles must be stored outside the main cabin on the ship’s bow.

Group Responsibility

• The group is responsible for any damage caused by improper handling or storage of bicycles. 

• NYC Ferry will not be responsible for any damage to any bicycle.

• Cyclists must follow crew instructions at all times.

• A designated group leader must be present to coordinate with ferry staff and ensure compliance with all policies.

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of an emergency, cyclists must follow all crew instructions and evacuate without attempting to retrieve bicycles unless explicitly instructed.

Compliance

• Failure to meet any of the above conditions may result in denial of boarding for bicycles.

• NYC Ferry reserves the right to modify or suspend this policy based on operational needs or safety concerns.