Bike Parking at Westfield Train Station (Cranford: cabinet, shop, cabin)

[kristir]

Is anyone familiar with the bike parking situation at the Westfield train station? Is there bike parking available? Is it safe to leave a bike at the station all day, every day, if one commutes into the city?

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by kristir

Is anyone familiar with the bike parking situation at the Westfield train station? Is there bike parking available? Is it safe to leave a bike at the station all day, every day, if one commutes into the city?

According to Westfield's website:

Bicycle & Moped Parking
Bicycle and moped parking racks are available for free use at Lot #3 (South side train station) and Lot #2 (North side train station). Westfield bike racks are also available at the entrances to Parking Lot #1, and near the Information Kiosk on Central Ave. and East Broad St.
Downtown Westfield Parking Map View Parking Map
Parking in Downtown Westfield Brochure (PDF) Download and print the Parking in Downtown Westfield brochure.

I know you must provide your own lock, and at the train station lots there are lockers available for your gear. I have never left a bicycle there, so cannot speak to the safety issue.

HTH
KoalaNJ

[sonofagunk]

you do see a bunch of police reports about stolen bikes there. I guess you just have to have a really good lock and a below average bike, and you will be safe

[Greys138]

I used to park my bike at the Westfield Train station. I have not so far this year but it is save to park it there if you lock your bike up properly. There has been much more bike space available so far this year. I would suggest depending on your bike to get a bike chain as well bike lock.to where you can lock the bike back wheel to the frame. also get a chain that is long enough to wrap your bike. i would suggest looping it around the frame and wheel a few times.
There is a bike shop on north ave in westfield. Jay's cycles if you are not familiar with chaining your bike up they can show you were it is ideal to put your lock. Also i would register your bike with the town just incase if it is ever stolen and recovered you can at least have the chance at getting it back.
Last year there was a string of bike thefts they caught the people doing it which is a good thing. Just think of locking your bike up as if you were locking it up in NYC and you will be fine. If someone wants to steal your bike or anyone elses they will do so.

[kristir]

Thanks everyone for the very helpful information. That is great to know about Jay's cycles, we will definitely be visiting them.

Can anyone comment on bike parking at the Cranford rail station? It looks like we'll be moving there, not Westfield.

[Tommyh2000]

I have had bikes stolen form both the Cranford and Westfield train stations. Neither bike was in great shape, however they got me where I needed to go.