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The program is intended more as an alternative transportation option to get from one point to another, rather than for recreational use. You buy a card for the length of time you want (24 hours, a week, a month or a year) and then you are able to use the bikes in 30 minute increments between check-ins at one of the CitiBike kiosks around the city.
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My initial reaction to this program was concern – it is hard enough to navigate the city in a car or even on foot, between taxis and buses weaving in and out of traffic, potholes the size of a small cars and large groups of pedestrians crossing streets against the lights. I realize these programs have worked well in other cities and they represent a great environmental choice of transportation, but the thought of people not familiar with New York City bicycling around Manhattan is daunting to me.
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As the program is barely a week old, the jury is out on whether it is a good idea to hand over access to a fleet of bicycles to tourists in one of the busiest traffic cities in the world…What do you think? Would you rent a bicycle in New York City?
OH! Our city has had this for about five years now, and it is wonderful to see more people opt to use a bike instead of a car!
Hi Sandy! Happy Monday! Anita
Fabulous idea! Though for the tourists, I am a bit skeptical…with the aggressive drivers in the city…for us "veterans" however, I know we could handle it:)
Sandy, my first thought was the same as your. NY is a very faced paced, aggressive city and a little hard to navigate if you do not know your way around. I would be in fear for my life with a bunch of tourists that do not have a clue riding bikes.
I have seen pedestrians mowed down by messenger bikes without a backward glance, what do you think they will do to a casual biker?
The concept is great, but I think I will reserve riding a bike for a more peaceful less crowded place.
Thank you for the book suggestions, I just ordered them!
DC has had a bike share program for a while and was in the news a bit due to NYC's new bike program. DC's was happy to let everyone know that there have been no accidents. I hope it stays that way and I hope the programs is as successful as DC's!
I saw so many people riding in Europe especially in Munich where there was a very clearly marked separate pathway for the bikes. I would love to do more riding but I am afraid of drivers where I live.
I think it's a great idea! I, however, would never do it myself — I'd be terrified! What an intriguing idea!
Sandy, my husband would
be very enthusiastic, as he
rides rodes all the time, but
I am a "trail girl," preferring
the those and always a bit
jittery on the streets that lead
from our house to the nearest
trail. We have a similar program
in downtown Minneapolis and
perhaps we should be tourists
in our own town, preferably
on a quiet Sunday, and try the
rental bikes.
I love to walk the NYC streets.
There is always so much more
to see than taking a cab or bus!
xo Suzanne
I think it's a good idea but not for me. Part of the beauty of NYC is walking and people watching for me. Great post!!
I love this idea, although I am not sure it is for me. I think I would be very nervous riding around with all the traffic.
Sandy,
I have this on our "to do" list this summer.
Bikes are a great way to stay in shape and get around.
Good for the environment and one's figure.
pve
I have been citi-biking for about two weeks now and LOVE it!! By planning my route i use streets with the best bike lanes, and now look forward to my commute to and from work ( approx 20 blocks each way). I have found the citibikers are cautious and stop at lights and watch for pedestrians. The program is great for short trips around the city and much faster than buses
Btw, there is no monthly option- just daily/weekly/annual
Ttrockwood