Bicycle Policy

Foundation Building Bicycle Parking Facility

As of September 27, 2010 Cooper Union has 24 indoor bicycle parking spaces (for non-folding bicycles) for faculty, staff and students of the Cooper Union only.  The parking facility is located in the lower level of the Foundation building.  Access to the parking facility is as follows:

  • To determine if there are spaces available, you must check the sign at the entrance to the Foundation Building.
  • The security desk in the Foundation Building will have serial-numbered tags equal to the number of spaces available in the parking facility at that time.
  • To obtain a tag you must show valid Cooper ID and sign in.
  • The security guard will give you the tag which must be locked or chained to your bicycle at all times the bicycle is in the building.
  • You must return the tag and sign out when you leave the building.
  • When there are no more tags at the security desk, there is no more indoor parking and your bicycle must remain outside.
  • You must use the square elevator to reach the lower level and to return to street level.  You may not use the stairs or the round elevator.
  • No more than three bicycles may be in the elevator at the same time.
  • You must lock your bicycle and tag to the bike rack.
  • No overnight parking – bicycles must be removed when the building closes.  (Except when there is 24 hour building access.)
  • Failure to follow these guidelines will result in termination of an individual's access to indoor bicycle parking.
  • If a bicycle is found in any other part of the building, or in any other building on campus, it will be removed without prior notice to the owner.
  • Harassing security or any other Cooper employee regarding access to the facility will result in termination of an individual's access to indoor bicycle parking.

The Bicycle Policy Implemented In September 2009 Remains In Effect For All Other Bicycles.

The Cooper Union encourages the use of the bicycle as a viable mode of transportation to and from campus. To ensure the safety of our faculty, students and staff, and taking into account the college's space constraints, the following bicycle policy was implemented September 1, 2009. 

Bicycles that do not fold are not permitted in the Foundation Building, 41 Cooper Square, the Residence Hall or 30 Cooper Square. Nor are loose bicycle tires permitted in these buildings. Folding bicycles, which must be covered prior to entering the building, may be stored in offices or lockers. Folding bicycles stored in lockers must fit within the locker such that locker doors remain closed. Bicycles found in public spaces such as studios, hallways, laboratories and lounges will be removed. Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and will be responsible for any assessed damages.  Violations by persons represented by a labor organization will be handled in a manner consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. 

Bicycles may be parked outdoors only in those areas which have been specifically designated for this purpose. A bicycle parking area is indicated by the presence of bicycle racks. 

Bicycles may not be parked in a way which would impede access to a building entrance or exit. No bicycle may be parked at any entrance, exit or access ramp to any Cooper Union owned building. 

In the event that bicycles are stolen on campus, members of the Cooper Union community should report the incident to the Office of Buildings and Grounds. In addition, members of the Cooper Union community are also encouraged to report the incident to the local Police Precinct (212) 477-7811. The Cooper Union is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings, including bicycles.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.