Hoboken City Council Overrides Mayor Bhalla’s Veto of Bicycle Storage Ordinance

HOBOKEN, N.J. — On Wednesday afternoon, the Hoboken City Council voted 6-3 to override Mayor Ravi’s Bhalla’s veto of an ordinance to create bicycle storage in Municipal Garages. The ordinance was originally passed on second reading on July 8 and will create a system to allow residents to store their bicycles for $1 a week for a covered parking space in municipal garages.

“As more Hoboken residents begin to rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, it’s important for us to invest in infrastructure that reflects this shift,” said Councilman Mike DeFusco. “It is only sensible that we begin creating affordable bike storage for cyclists, especially in an urban setting where far too often residents are limited on space. The mayor’s initial veto was nothing more than a ploy to discredit those of us on the City Council who do not always agree with him politically. Politics and good local government should never mesh and unfortunately we have an administration that continues to put politics over policy in effort to divide us. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transportation and Parking, my Council colleagues and the administration to make this plan a reality.”

“I am proud to co-sponsor this piece of legislation to provide a valuable amenity to Hoboken’s bike enthusiasts who are tired of locking their bike outside, carrying it up a flight (or more) of stairs or storing it in their living room,” said Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, Chair of the Parking and Transportation Subcommittee. “This is just a small step, but one of many the Council Parking and Transportation Subcommittee and the administration are considering together to support and expand bike use in Hoboken.”

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