Bicycling in New York City
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In the bustling city of New York, cycling has become a popular choice for many residents. Whether it's for food delivery, commuting to work, or leisurely rides, the city offers an expansive network of bike shops, mechanics, communities, and events to support cyclists' journeys.
One such cyclist, Aristedes B, commutes to and from work by bike every day. Despite the risk of bike theft, he believes that reporting a stolen bike is often not worth it. This sentiment is shared by many, as cycling remains popular due to its practical urban benefits and community advocacy.
Road biking is a favourite activity in New York City, with routes including loops around Central Park, cycling along rivers, and long distance trips to Bear Mountain. The city's unique cycling communities, such as mountain bikers who create their own trails and jumps, add to its appeal.
However, cycling in New York City comes with its own set of challenges. The city's streets are known to be busy and dangerous, accounting for nearly half of the state's cyclist fatalities and over 10% of all deadly traffic accidents in 2024. Despite the implementation of measures such as the NYC Streets Plan, which mandates constructing protected bike lanes, introducing bike education programs, bike-share systems, and enforcing traffic rules to improve cyclist safety, progress has been slow. By 2024, less than half of the planned lanes were installed, which has limited safety improvements.
To support cyclists further, additional measures have been put in place. These include bike education programs to promote safe riding practices, bike lanes, boulevards, and off-street pathways to provide safer, dedicated routes, bike-sharing programs that increase access and convenience, enforcement of cyclist-related traffic laws, and community advocacy efforts, promoting policies and infrastructure investments similar to successful models seen in cities like Paris.
Despite these challenges, the love for cycling in New York City remains strong. The city's cycling culture is evident in events such as the New York City unicycling festival and the Century Road Club Association's Central Park race series. For cyclists like Oliver Lawson '27, the opportunity to cycle in the park rather than on the streets is greatly appreciated.
However, the threat of bike theft is a prominent concern for cyclists who splurge on high-end bikes. In 2020, over 4,477 bikes were reported stolen in New York City from March to late September. Despite this, the convenience of cycling, including avoiding subway crowds and direct routes to destinations, makes it a preferred mode of transportation for many.
In conclusion, while cycling in New York City presents its own set of challenges, the city's strong cycling culture, ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and safety, and practical urban benefits make it a popular choice for many residents. Whether for commuting, recreation, or community, the city's cycling scene continues to thrive.
Aristedes B, a cyclist in New York City, uses his bike for daily commutes, demonstrating the practicality of cycling in the urban landscape. Despite the risk of bike theft leading some to feel it's not worth reporting a stolen bike, the city's cycling communities are actively promoting safe riding and advocating for infrastructure improvements.
Photography enthusiast Oliver Lawson '27 appreciates the opportunity to cycle in Central Park, capturing unique moments of the city's vibrant cycling culture in his photographs. The city's annual events, such as the unicycling festival and Central Park race series, provide striking subject matter for his work, mirroring the enduring love for cycling in New York City.
