NEW YORK—New York City has finally joined other major metropolitan locations around the world that have public bikes for rent.
The city’s bike share program was kicked off on Monday, May 27 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Jeanette Sadik-Khan at a press conference in Lower Manhattan.
“Long time coming!” said Bloomberg, who promptly added that it’s important to remember that though its great to have a fun event, we should remember that it’s Memorial Day.
He made a pointed dig at protesters at the event that they are “lucky” they live in a country where they can protest freely.
“We now have an entirely new transportation system without spending any taxpayer money,” Bloomberg pointed out.
Bloomberg added that over the last decade the risk for serious injury when biking has gone down about 75 percent.
Over 15,000 people have already signed up for bike share memberships, according to the DOT.
“New Yorkers are already biking more than ever, and the bike share will make it easier to get around on bikes,” said Sadik-Khan.
She added that the bike share program will bring 170 jobs and about $36 million a year in economic activity to New York City. There are already more than 350 miles of bike lanes around the city.
The current bike share activity is members only. After June 2 it will be open to the public.
