Features and Stories

Bike Share Program Launched in The Big Apple

Bike Share Program Launched in The Big Apple
Bernadine Racoma

New York City, The Big Apple, is considered one of the busiest cities in the world. This bustling metropolis supports over 8 million people, living in areas mostly accessible through its intricate subway system. The city boasts of many extremes including an unbalanced ratio when it comes to vehicle count and parking space that contribute hugely to the infamous NYC traffic jams.

New York City’s latest take in helping its commuters reach their destination in a smoke friendly, inexpensive and healthy way was launched on the recent Memorial Day commemoration. The bike share launching was led by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The bike share program aims to put up 333 stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn alone including a total of 6,000 Citi Bikes available for use. The target is to eventually have 10,000 bikes for 600 stations located across the city.

A blue and sturdy ride

The launching of the bike share program elicited varying opinions and reactions. According to Alex Nash, the use of a bike in NYC streets was a very delightful experience despite the troublesome chore of putting the ride back to its place. But, while some were very pleased about the new program, others were infuriated about some very ominous limitations being implemented with the use of the bikes.

There is a weight limit

A modern bicycle is made with a sturdy and strong frame to support the rider. It is almost improbable to say that a bicycle should have certain weight limitations before it can be used. The equipment is fitted with shock absorbers and quality tires and rims for heavy duty performance.

But the NYC bike share imposes weight limits. According to the New York Post, a contract has to be signed indicating that a user must not exceed the 260-pound weight limit because the bicycles could not accommodate users weighing more than 260 lbs. Prospective riders who exceed that weight limit are infuriated, stating that it is unfair and discriminatory. Shop owners selling bicycles also disagreed about the said provision. According to several bike experts, the 40-pound cruisers are pretty sturdy and could certainly handle weights beyond the limitation being imposed.

Just following manufacturer’s recommendations

In defense of the said restriction, the New York City Department of Transportation stated that the restriction was not meant to be offensive and discriminatory. They also added that the said clause was included only for legal purposes and has been based also on the recommendation of the manufacturer.

Don’t lose your Citi Bike

Bikes happen to be some of the most often sports or transportation equipment that get stolen. According to the rules regarding the use of NYC Citi Bikes, a unit is deemed stolen if it is not returned within 24 hours. The penalty or fee being imposed amounts to $1,000.00 plus hundreds of dollars more for administrative sanctions. Reporting the stolen bike to the police is not enough. The unit must be reported to Citi Bike within 24 hours from the time it was stolen. Failure to do so would automatically incur the rider penalties and charges for the lost item. Citi Bike has a customer service center duly appointed and available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Photo Credit: Denver Bike Share Station

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