Image: NYCDOT

Today is a historic day for bicycling in New York City. Local Law 52, a.k.a. the Bikes in Buildings Law, took effect. People all over the city are talking to their bosses about bringing their bikes inside the workplace. And lots of those bosses will be talking to building managers about how to make bike access happen.

One of the biggest obstacles to bike commuting — fear of theft — is in the process of being surmounted. It won’t happen overnight, but it never would have happened at all without many years of relentless work by Transportation Alternatives and strong support this time around from the mayor’s office, City Council, and DOT.

Sure, there are gaps in the law — like the fact that commercial buildings without freight elevators are exempt. But bike advocates went toe to toe with the real estate lobby and came out on top. As former TA director John Kaehny told us back when the law passed the City Council, a legislative victory like that matters for many reasons: "More than anything else, it validates bicycles as legitimate."

So a little celebration might be in order, and, if you’re currently banned from bringing your bike inside, a little research too. Start with DOT’s bikes in buildings page. You might also want to tune in to NY1 at 9:00 tonight. TA’s Wiley Norvell will be fielding calls about the new law.