Broadway Theatergoers Now Eligible for Valet Bike Parking

Something tells us we may be the only ones excited about this, but on select nights in September, Transportation Alternatives will be offering free valet bicycle parking to anyone attending a theatrical performance in the Theater District. Finding a place to lock up around there is a real headache, so this is certainly welcome news for Broadway theatergoers who ride their bikes to the theater... all two of them? We're curious to see how people actually take advantage of this.

As you may know, the crowds that clog that area on any given night are mainly comprised of gum-smacking tourist teenagers and purse-clutching middlebrow matrons from Metro North country. It's hard to imagine much of the audience for Jersey Boys biking through Times Square, but still, we appreciate the sentiment. Transportation Alternatives has done a stellar job organizing desperately-needed bike parking at summertime events such as Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park and the Movies With a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park. We're glad to see them expanding this to other locations like Times Square—just watch out for those body-slamming rookie cops!

Details below, from the Trans Alt press release:

Beginning September 9th and continuing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through September 25th, free, secure and attended valet bike parking will be provided for theater patrons in Times Square. There will also be free valet bike parking at the Broadway on Broadway concert on Sunday, September 12th.
Bike valet works like a secure coat check - show your theater ticket, drop off your bike with a Transportation Alternatives attendant, take a ticket, enjoy the show!
WHEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, September 9, 10, 11, 16,
17, 18, 23, 24 and 25th Valet bike parking available 6pm-11:30pm
WHERE: At the New York Marriott Marquis on West 46th Street between 8th Avenue and Broadway, just west of the driveway
WHAT: Valet Bike Parking at Broadway on Broadway
WHEN: Sunday, September 12, 2010 Valet bike parking available 9am-2pm
WHERE: In the Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 42nd and 43rd Streets.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in Arts and Events on September 8, 2010 2:03 PM

Comments [rss]

Jeff

Those of you who are questioning the merits of cycling to a Broadway play, and whether Broadway even appeals to today's cycling demographic (thus necessitating such a service) seem to be missing the point. This is brilliant PR on the part of TA.

While they may hold signs that say "Free Valet Bike Parking", or the like, what they are really saying is, "Tourists and New Yorkers enjoying a night out on the town: Cycling is a mainstream form of transportation. It can get you to work, to the grocery store, to a friend's house, and yes, even to the theater. It is a mode that is provisioned for, right alongside automobiles and transit, with a comprehensive network of bicycle lanes and parking facilities. So get out there and RIDE!"

And to my fellow cyclists who fit into today's cycling demographic, I'll see you out in front of one of the black box theaters in the East Village, locking up to a signpost!

John L

To each his own

JacqueMehoff

I like how Wrigley field has a bike valet set up.

NattyB

I actually biked to the last two broadway plays I've seen. Both Mamet (November & Race).

This is nice and I wish this was the norm and not some special thing.

And to the haters, go F yourself. What's so inherently classy about taking the train to a show. I was still wearing nicish clothes to the Shows.

If you want to take the train (which takes longer) or drive (crazy $$$) or cab it ($$$$) fine, but don't just hate on those who prefer to get around on their pedal power b/c it's cheaper, quicker, healthier, and liberating (no waiting for the train, a cab, or for the light to change to green for that matter). I don't think I'm better than anyone. It just happens to be my preferred means of conveyance.

p.s. i'm not one of the crazy bikers. I wear a helmet and say excuse me and look both ways before proceeding thru a red light.

Rocknrope

And if you're really lucky, you'll get crushed between a tractor trailer and a Ride Assist Van on your way back home.

Gotham Extremist

I certainly wouldn't want to be sitting for 2+ hrs next to a smelly biker.

CR

I'm pretty sure people won't be showing up in full lycra and a crotch chamois. It's possible to ride a bike for commuting purposes and not smell like shvitz the rest of the day. I'd know as I do it everyday.

CR

I'll be surprised if this actually happens. Likely you'll get to the garage and the attendant will have no idea what you're talking about.

Kojak

Bike to a Broadway Show = NO CLASS.

"Something tells us we may be the only ones excited about this". You are correct.

kevd

Broadway Show = NO CLASS

Biking anywhere = Cool

CR

Uh, dude, have you been to a Broadway show lately? The age of class when it comes to Broadway attendees went out around the time when you could no longer pay for a chick to dance *with* you, not *on* you. It's all jeans and sweatshirts these days. (For the record, I wear jeans and sneaks to the theater.)

Kojak

You have a point. Surprisingly some out of towners still hold true to the tradition. But it depends on the show and who they attract. Compare the crowds of any Shakespeare production to one of say, Avenue Q and you'll see the difference.

But biking to a show? Have you no shame good sir??

Guest

uhm, i'd bike to my wedding. (and my future wife will assassinate me even before i get on the bike to go.)

for the record, i do not know how to bike for shit.