If you live in the city, you have surely seen Citi Bikes by now, because there are ONLY 12,000 of them. The thousands of Citi Bikes are either idle or being used to and from the 750 stations around Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City.
Launched in May 2013 the Citi Bike system was made to be simple to use: Take a bike from any one of the stations, ride for a maximum of thirty minutes and drop off at another station. Citi Bike has an online station map and an app to locate and check availability beforehand. They make it too easy!
Image Source: Citi Bike
Now that the weather is warm enough, or maybe sweltering is a better word, and the streets are free from sludge, snow, and ice, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of this alternative way of getting from A to B.
Sure, riding in a huge city can seem intimidating, but if you stay alert, ALWAYS wear a helmet and follow the NYC safety guidelines for joining the cars on the city roads there are a ton of benefits that can be unlocked by this new way of commuting!
According to DOT, the percentage of commuter cyclists has increased by 262% since 2000-2010, and if you want to read on further about safety and helpful guidelines, check out their suitably named campaign: Don’t Be a Jerk.
Summer also means a decrease in the amount of clothing, resulting in more skin; many people prepared for this warm weather fashion in advance by hitting the gym since the New Year.
Sadly, for most, it means that the revelation of the lack of exercise we may have been putting off and hiding under our winter clothes has sneakily crept up on us. Not to mention the level of fitness required to walk even a block or a flight of stairs in this heat is treacherous.
Which is why Citi Bikes are such a great way to tackle this summertime problem. Work out and feel the cool breeze as you ride through the city on a Citi Bike.
The health advantages of a low impact exercise, such as cycling are boundless and ideal for people who dislike looking at themselves and others in a gym full of grunts and the same five Pitbull songs over and over!
Better Health lists some of the effects:
- You use all of the major muscle groups as you pedal
- It’s easy!
- Increases stamina, strength, and aerobic fitness
- Decreases stress levels and help reduce anxiety and depression
- Helps with posture and coordination
- Great for bones
Furthermore, it’s an independent sport that doesn’t rely on gym hours and classes. You can even use the bikes in the nicer weather for a more pleasant commute to work in the mornings and evenings during rush hour.
Nobody needs to remind commuters how hot and crowded it can get in the subway during this time of year, add that to the constant delays and steep cost of it and weaving through the gridlocked, irritable traffic to work sounds like a dream.
Image Source: QuikByke
By not taking the subway or a taxi, bike riders aren’t contributing to the harmful pollution in the city and hopefully inspiring any passers-by or Instagram followers to do the same.
If none of the reasons previously mentioned convince potential Citi Biker’s, this might: The cost is significantly cheaper than other methods of transport.
A single 30-minute ride costs $3 and a Day Pass (unlimited 30-minute rides for 24 hours) costs $12, but the most cost-effective is the Annual Membership, that is only $169 per year and the maximum period of time for each ride increases to 45 minutes.
Citi Bikes also offer special reduced costs and deals to Credit Union Members, NYCHA/JCHA residents and more as a way of supporting local commuters. Check out their website to see popular rides for your weekends and days off this summer.
One of our favorite OG NYgals, Chloe Sevigny, who is the epitome of cool, is a fan of the Citi Bikes. She has been spotted several times effortlessly looking stylish and aloof riding the bikes, like this picture of her cycling in a navy-blue blazer and denim shorts.
Image Source: Got Celeb
P.S. Just remember to take a brush and some dry shampoo with you to avoid helmet hair!
Cover Image Source: CBS New York
