Pictured above is one of the many New Yorkers that chooses bicycle riding as their means of transportation. Utility cyclists, such as delivery and messenger services, cycling clubs for recreational cyclists, and commuter cyclists have all been increasing in numbers in recent years. In 2005, the city recorded an estimated 170,000 daily bike trips and that number dramatically increased to 450,000 by 2017.
One major development that has contributed to the increased popularity of bicycle riding is CitiBike’s introduction and proliferation in the city. As a user myself, I can honestly vouch for CitiBike as it is the cheapest means of getting around Manhattan (only about $170 for the year whereas a monthly metro card will run you $120 for the month) and is always faster than taking our antiquated public transit system. Additionally, many New Yorkers, myself included, live over a 15 minute walk from the nearest subway station and bicycle riding is especially useful for those that wish to cut down this walk time by biking to the station or for those that want to cut public transit out of their routine completely.
While bike riding is a sustainable and environmentally friendly means of urban transportation, its benefits could be even more far reaching. For example, if more of a city’s population begins bike riding everyday, there is something to be said for how this regular cardiovascular activity will affect the health and therefore efficiency of the city’s population.
PS: If anyone is curious, the reason the subject of this photograph looks all blurred is because I shot the image at a slow shutter speed of about 1/15, creating a sense of motion.
I whole heartedly agree with you on the major benefits that citi bike is contributing to New York City’s continued sustainability. I too ride on a citi bike every single day to school and I am a huge advocate for more people becoming citi bike subscribers. I believe that the most important impact that city bike is having is in regard to lowering carbon emissions. As we have learned from a variety of sources that we have covered this semester, carbon emissions are a major proponent of climate change. Additionally, one major takeaway that I had from many of these sources is that we as individuals have the ability to help the environment. As a result, I think that citi bike is the perfect initiative that can allow individuals in New York City to have a meaningful impact on the environment.
As an avid bike rider, I could not agree more with this idea. On top of physical exercise, riding a bike also limits the carbon footprint of our city. Citi bike is an incredible idea and I would like to see more like it (e.g. Citi scooter or Citi rollerblade or maybe even Citi sled for when it snows). Your photography skills are unparalleled.
Although I prefer to avoid riding bikes throughout the city myself, despite my clumsiness and poor navigation skills, I will always admit the ignorance in discounting the many benefits public bike providers extend to our city. Lowering carbon emissions, especially in a city heavily dependent on transportation like New York, it is an enourmous challenge that will ultimately save our society from some of its greatest natural and environmental conflicts of the future. A great initiative for a city, I definitely think more opportunities such as city bike should be offered to New York pedestrians, unless of course, it is easier to just walk, as I usually find it is for me 🙂