| Author | Message | ||
     Lawnboy Citizen Username: Lawnboy Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2004 |
I apologize right off the bat for my bad attitude. I'm mad!!! I have just had my second bike stolen from the train station in the last 3 months. And this one i owned for ONE day!!! The first bike I can sort of blame myself -- i was in a hurry and neglected to put my lock thru the frame. When i got back the front wheel was all that was left. But this second bike i really locked up with a cable lock thru the wheels and the frame. This time it was stolen by a pro, probably after normal hours (between 9 and midnight). The lock was quick frozen then smacked quickly so it would split open, which it did (my reconstruction of the crime) and the bike taken. I've also had numerous wheels, seats, etc. stolen. In 20 years of living and biking in Manhattan I never had a locked bike stolen. My question: why is this happening so frequently? Is it just me? There are some very valuable bikes down there. Does everyone know how close they are to losing them? What is the town, and/or the police doing about this? I know the police are busy keeping skateboarders away, but what about watching over the bikes? Cameras are being installed around town. How about putting one right there at the train station? That way at least we'd have some visuals to work from. I, of course, reported the theft to the police, and was told to expect a call, but so far haven't heard from them. I would think that if there's a chance of finding the bike it would be within a day or two of the theft. All in all, between ever rising taxes, and this kind of recurring theft I am very disillusioned with our "Mayberry." Where's Andy when you need him? Wah!! PS The bike is an older red Cannondale, large tube, mountain bike. Blackburn rack on rear. Red water bottle cage. Nice condition. Some scratches. White reflector on front, red on rear. Street tires (as opposed to knobby mountain). Presta valve on front tire, shrader on rear. If you see it, grab it!! REWARD!! Thanks for listening. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5388 Registered: 9-2001  |
...I'm very sorry to read the bad news Lawnboy. I wonder how many bikes are stolen in and around the train station, and how often? Which side were you on? Listen, I'll speak to Bob Klein in the morning about it. We have CCTV inside the station on a timed recorder. If we can get NJT to increase the lighting around the bikes, I believe we (the Maplewood Concierge)can add another camera to the system and place it out by the bike racks... FWIW, I bought a few bikes at the Police Bike Sale last month. They need a little work, but I'll be happy to give you one for free. Please give me a call if you're interested in looking at them... Art 973-699-8276 BTW, I only paid $1.00 for one of them. ;-) | ||
| Lawnboy Citizen Username: Lawnboy Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thanks Art. I was locked up at the main bike rack adjascent to the station. Perhaps anyone reading this who's had a bike stolen could add to this thread and we'd get an idea how often this happens. I know at least 3 other folks myself. It would be great to put a camera up out there! I'd be happy to help do it. I would be interested in having a look at your bikes. I don't mind fixing one up. Perhaps you bought the one I lost in May. Will give a call. LB | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 5447 Registered: 5-2001 |
I used to bike to the station regularly about 10 years ago, but stopped for a long time when my kids hit middle school and needed rides. But before that my experience was very bad. I learned quickly that anything attached to the bike was a target. Not just the contents of a bag, for example, but eventually even the bag itself. I had a light that someone stole the top off of, but left the bottom attached to the handlebar. Neither part was of any use on its own, of course. Had a wheel stolen (and not with a quick-release, either, someone brought a wrench). And a couple of tires slashed. These were all during the middle of the day, not overnight. The locker system is clearly inadequate; I've been on the waiting list for years. Why not add some more on the margins of the NJT parking lots? Art, your proposal to add a camera is just terrific, thanks. And your bike offer is really generous. Bike commuting to the station should be encouraged by the town for the same reasons that the jitney is. But security has got to be a higher priority. I don't think people who drive and park on the street have anywhere near the number of property crimes committed against them as cyclists do, and when they do the police take them far more seriously. I get the sense -- and I have no other reason for believing this than my gut -- that parking at South Orange station is safer. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider  Post Number: 15259 Registered: 1-2003  |
Have you filed a police report? They have an auction in June almost every year. Your bike might show up by then. Stolen bikes find their ways there. And if it's there, the police let you have it, i.e. you don't have to bid on it. Bikes are just too easy to steal. That's the sad truth. And there are probably many quiet moments at the train station to make theft easy. Sorry, Lawnboy. I know how much it hurts. I've had many bikes stolen and vandalized. I even once had one taken from me by force. | ||
| Lawnboy Citizen Username: Lawnboy Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thanks Tom, for your sympathy. I spoke to the police and was told a detective would give me a call, but as I said above, I haven't heard from anyone yet. | ||
| Ken Scout Citizen Username: Lightningken Post Number: 142 Registered: 11-2005 |
My bike was stolen, on the other side of the station, two weeks ago.....It seems to me that somebody is quite actively casing the area, and perhaps feels they've found ez targets? | ||
| KRNL Citizen Username: Krnl Post Number: 116 Registered: 9-2005 |
The whole security issue re property around the train station is poor. I've had two cars broken into that were parked very close to the station. Both times the only reason that more damage wasn't done was because of the intervention of pedestrians (one time my husband who happened to be walking by just as the perps were in action!). And this is within a block of our police station--can't wait until the police station moves to SA. Then again, maybe the police will patrol more around the station as the park is prettier than SA. By the way, I do feel for you and your bikes. My husband's new bike was removed from our open garage last year. He wouldn't let me report it because he felt it was his fault for leaving the garage open all day and we had no idea when it was removed. GRRRRR. So much for another effort to get us to exercise. | ||
| alison Citizen Username: Alison Post Number: 157 Registered: 6-2002 |
I would contact township committee members, especially Fred, immediately to discuss the situation. | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3676 Registered: 5-2001 |
How hard (or expensive) can it be to install more lockers to meet that demand? And security cameras, too. Definitely contact the TC and push for this! | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5395 Registered: 9-2001 |
Lawnboy, I just got off the phone with Bob and we both agree that a camera facing the bike racks is a good idea. We will order one and have it installed ASAP! FWIW, our four split screen monitor in the station has one blank space. Therefore, besides recording the activity at night, when the station is open we can also watch the area live during business hours. We will also call NJT to see if the lighting can be increased. Bob plans meet with the Mayor this morning, but I have previous plans. Personally, I would like to see two of the towns security cameras set up to monitor the areas surrounding the station as well. I’ll bring that hot potato up at the next TC meeting. BTW Sac, ordering more bike lockers is not the answer to this problem. They take up too much space, and we may be removing the ones already there for a lack of use anyway... | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15262 Registered: 1-2003 |
ajc, lockers are underused? tom says he's been on the waiting list for years. What is the disconnect? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5397 Registered: 9-2001 |
...I don't know what's going on with Tom, but I was told they take up too much space, which they do, and we may be removing the ones already there for a lack of use... | ||
| kws Citizen Username: Kws Post Number: 142 Registered: 5-2001 |
Why not some bike racks over on the town side of the tracks? Lots of pedestrians and that parking lot stays active all day and well into the evening. There are stretches of time, midday, when there is absolutely nobody at the station. | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 5450 Registered: 5-2001 |
Well this "lack of use" thing is clearly a communications problem. If I haven't heard from the town (after submitting my name twice) I doubt I'm the only one. All those nice bikes are being stolen and/or vandalized because their owners are assuming that the lockers are full already. And somebody complains that they're underutilized? Let's get it together, City Hall. Just out of curiosity, who is it telling you they take up too much space, and what would that space be used for instead? It seems like they take up just a little more space than a standard open-air bike rack would. | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 8003 Registered: 5-2001 |
Lawnboy: I am so sorry for the loss of your bike but thankful that you brought this problem to the attention of persons who may be able to come up with a workable solution. I agree with Alison's suggestion to contact the TC members and see if there is anything the town can do to resolve the problem long term. Art: I was also surprised by your statement that the bicycle lockers at the train station are under utilized and I don't understand what else would be occupying the space they are now in -- unless this is where you want to expand the station building ? Can anyone verify the size of the bike locker waiting list and the average wait for a space in one of the town bicycle lockers? These facts may help to clarify the situation vis a vis locker availability. | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 5451 Registered: 5-2001 |
I've separately sent out messages to Fred Profeta and Vic DeLuca asking for an explanation. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15264 Registered: 1-2003 |
Art, I, too, would be annoyed if the lockers were underused, but let's see if we can get them used. It would prevent theft and encourage more cycling to the train. tom, each locker does take up a lot more space than a single bike on a rack. I'm not saying it's not worth it, but it's not accurate to say using lockers uses the same space as using racks. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5399 Registered: 9-2001 |
"I agree with Alison's suggestion to contact the TC members and see if there's anything the town can do to resolve the problem long term." Joan, long term? What's different about a long term plan that we can't resolve in the short term? I said we'll put more lighting and CCTV cameras at the station ASAP, plus I said I would speak to the TC about adding police surveillance as well... Will you please tell me what you're thinking about for a "long term" plan? If I’m going to address the TC, lets present all the suggestions at one time. As for the bike lockers, we can put twice as many bikes in the same space the lockers take up. Each locker holds two bikes. Furthermore, there's reason to believe some of these boxes were rented to be used for other purposes than leaving their bikes in them. KWS, there are bike lockers over on the town side, and we plan to add more racks there as well. And, as for mid-day activity, my wife’s salon as well as the bank windows looks out on that side of the tracks all day and well into the evening. Actually, the security is probably better there than on the station side. And FWIW, lets not get our shorts in a knot already on the locker issue. Every time the whistle blows everyone is ready to run the train... We are on the case and qualified people are looking at the issues. Please, I found out about the problem last night and this morning we are already well along the way to handle it. Listen folks, the TC doesn't meet again until August 15th. Let's give it a little time before any of you start sending all kinds of seperate messages and circulating petitions again. PLEASE, there's nothing like 50 different people all calling and sending messages at the same time to screw up their day. | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 5453 Registered: 5-2001 |
Agreed, and that's why I didn't say it. When I've put my name on the list, it's always been through City Hall, so if there's a problem with the list that is where it's got to be resolved. Why shouldn't the TC be in the loop if the system they manage is breaking down? Anyway, it shouldn't require a meeting of the whole committee; it can start with one of them going to the office and asking the nice lady behind the counter, "what's with the list?" | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5401 Registered: 9-2001 |
"... it shouldn't require a meeting of the whole committee; it can start with one of them..." So don't tell me about it, go do it pal....  | ||
| Lawnboy Citizen Username: Lawnboy Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2004 |
EVERYONE!! I am very encouraged by the quick response to my plea, and will be even more gratified once the camera, lights and additional surveillance are in place. As I am still in a sensitive post-robbery state I would appreciate it if we could avoid bickering about the bike lockers. There will never be enough lockers for everyone that would like one, so let's solve the problem through added security and not be distracted by a solution that will at best serve the few who can get their names in first. Let's make it work for everyone! Thanks again Art! | ||
| jet Citizen Username: Jet Post Number: 1174 Registered: 7-2001 |
There is a Transit police dept. Maybe they should install cameras @ stations & monitor them , god knows they need something to do . 2 of them were arrested while on duty for raping a girl in Jersey City the other day. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15270 Registered: 1-2003 |
Solving the crime problem at the train station may be harder than taking better precautions. As Art says, you are better off locking your bike in a place where there is constant foot traffic. That's what I did for years, when I lived in New York and Boston and commuted by bike every day. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5406 Registered: 9-2001 |
...thank YOU Lawnboy. Forewarned is forearmed! Listen, I will keep you posted as to what is happening with the cameras. BTW, you said you would help? What do you know about cameras or what did you have in mind? Also, let me know when you want to look at the bikes... Hey, we can always use a little help from our friends... | ||
| jet Citizen Username: Jet Post Number: 1175 Registered: 7-2001 |
How about a fenced in corrall that you pay a fee for & get a key.Maybe with a tin roof & light. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5419 Registered: 9-2001 |
You may have something there Jet... What if the town designated a small portion of property at the top of Memorial Park across from the train station and built an attractive, secured and covered bike shelter? It might attract more commuter bike use and less cars. A small annual fee may help cover some of the costs. Kids using the park would also be able to park their bikes while playing or at their ball games... I could expand further on your idea but first let's see what others think about the possibility... | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 8014 Registered: 5-2001 |
A bike-specific shelter might work, depending on the security of the structure and the locks; but why take space from Memorial Park? The area to the south of the train station where the bike racks and bike lockers are now should be large enough. The structure would have to be secure though. Too many keys issued would lead to the possibility of too many keys lying around and too many bikes in one place being too tempting to too many potential bike thieves. Too flimsy a lock and/or structure could lead to successful break-ins. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5420 Registered: 9-2001 |
"...but why take space from Memorial Park?" From my experience, I felt there may be fewer problems working with town property vs. NJ Transit (state) property... | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 8016 Registered: 5-2001 |
Art: I see your point but wouldn't we encounter greenspace problems if the proposal was to take land from the park? I also feel that we would be apt to get the same type of reaction the pro dog run people did when they tried to raid space in Memorial Park for their dog run proposal. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5421 Registered: 9-2001 |
Maybe? Right now we're just brain surfing... | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15280 Registered: 1-2003 |
A bike corral would assume that all of its users are trustworthy and that it's difficult to break into. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2942 Registered: 5-2001 |
Plus I would think people should still be able to lock up their bike individually inside of the already lockable bike corral. | ||
| jet Citizen Username: Jet Post Number: 1179 Registered: 7-2001 |
Why not use some of the greenspace money that we voted on for a corrall, in the park or next to the tennis area. Put a fake camera up . The state is never going to allow a corrall on their property. | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 8017 Registered: 5-2001 |
NJT should be open to any idea which will increase their ridership and reduce the use of gas-powered vehicles. Bikes are very environment-friendly and a good way for people to get around. I think they would be a much easier sell than the town. However, this proposal has to be an improvement over what we have now and has to overcome the property security issue being raised on this thread for it to acceptable. | ||
| Ken Scout Citizen Username: Lightningken Post Number: 144 Registered: 11-2005 |
FYI....My first bike was stolen from the Bike Racks on the Park side, locked-up. My Second bike was stolen locked with TWO locks on the Town Side bike racks....locked up. More racks gives us more Bike racks, but toes nothing to solve the theft problem. My solution is not to buy another bike...I'm walking to town. oh well, I could use the extra time to think in the morning/evening. | ||
| Lawnboy Citizen Username: Lawnboy Post Number: 13 Registered: 7-2004 |
Wow, Ken that is terrible. What kind of locks were you using? I'm not giving up yet, but I am going to get the biggest, strongest lock money can buy. | ||
| Lawnboy Citizen Username: Lawnboy Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2004 |
Also, I was just thinking, something really seems wrong if our smart town and police can't figure out some way to guard these bikes. This is ridiculous. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15296 Registered: 1-2003 |
Don't blame the town. Bikes are the easiest things to steal and the hardest things to recover, since a bike is a getaway vehicle. Subsequently, it's easy to hide. Lock it smart, in plain view of lots of people. | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 5487 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think we let the MPD off too easily. A bike stolen in plain sight a block from the police station should be rare, but instead it is common. |
