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Chained Bike

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You can report unusable (derelict) bicycles that are chained to public property.

Public property includes:

  • Parking meters
  • Street lights
  • Street signs
  • City-owned bike racks

You can also report a bicycle that is chained to and harming a City tree.

Bike Chained to Public Property

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is legally allowed to remove and recycle an unusable bicycle chained to public property.

You can request the removal of a bike chained to public property if it appears destroyed and completely unrideable.

DSNY will not remove:

  • Bikes that are still usable
  • "Ghost bikes" that have been placed on public property as a memorial for someone who died
  • Bikes that are not chained to anything
  • Bikes that are chained to a private bike rack or any other private property
  • Bikes chained to a tree

Definition of Unusable Bicycle

For a bike to be considered unusable, it must have two or more of the following characteristics:

  • The bike appears to be crushed or unusable.
  • The bike is missing essential parts, such as handlebars, one or more pedals, rear wheel, or bike chain.
  • The handlebars, pedals, spokes, frames, or rims are damaged or bent. 
  • 50% or more of the bike is rusted, including parts like the frame, handlebars, and pedals, along with the bike chain attaching it to public property.

Bike Chained to Tree on Public Property

You can report bicycles chained to street trees or trees in parks that may be causing permanent damage to the tree, regardless of the bike's condition. Reports are investigated by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The City does not:

  • Remove bikes chained to any private property
  • Maintain privately-owned bike racks or shelters

You should ask the owner or manager of the property to remove the unusable bike.

You can find out the name of a property owner by checking the Property Deed or Record.

E-bikes contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.  All safety guidelines for storing, charging, and disposing these batteries must be followed.

You can report improper storage, charging, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries or devices containing these batteries. 

Complaint types include:

  • Batteries being charged less than 3 feet apart    
  • More than 5 batteries being charged at once
  • Using multiple extension cords to charge batteries
  • Batteries that look like they’ve been tampered with
  • Suspected unlicensed business charging batteries
  • Batteries being disposed in trash or recycling
  • E-bikes or e-scooters being charged while unattended 
  • Abandoned e-bikes on private or public property
  • Any other improper battery storage, charging, or disposal issues

You can report the problem to FDNY by email and by phone. Anonymous reports are accepted.

By Email

FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov

By Phone

What Happens Next

Your report will be referred to the appropriate Fire Prevention Unit. FDNY will review the report and possibly inspect the location by the next business day. 

You will get a response within 12 hours of submitting your report.

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