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Why is it so hard for you to admit that it is not for everyone? It benefits a niche group. You even stated that you are not using it as a primary transportation option but prefer to use your own.
Race is a major part of it regardless if you want to accept it or not. It is the niche demographic and it is subsidized by public space.
Bicycle share was designed to be accessible by as many people as possible.
I do feel more Citi Bike docks should be moved into the street but I feel the DOT was trying to limit NIMBYism.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwguydc
Actually, the MTA won't benefit if a critical mass of cyclists eschews regular bus/subway transportation, which would likely make the MTA want tax revenue from the CitiBike program.
Where are the bicycles going to be staged for more cyclists if not removing more parking spots? If too many people use the system and bikes are unavailable, what is going to happen? I don't foresee people queuing up to wait for a bicycle, or walking to another rack to get a bicycle, they will just hop on the bus, walk, or get in a cab. It's not an issue now, but if 25% of MTA passengers stop using the bus/subway, that's going to create a problem on the surface streets. The MTA is not going to easily give up revenues, but would happily collect them and not have to provide transportation services, which is why there are taxes and fees that fund the MTA already.
I was thinking 20-25% of all commuters bicycling would be nice. Which would lead to a reduction in usage by all other modes. I would live to see driving based commutes decline to between 10-15% (currently roughly 22%). According to the DOT, 45% of commuters live within 5 miles of their jobs. That's a relatively short bicycle ride at an easily sustainable 10 MPH.
As for usage by minority groups. Both East NY and East Harlem were very vocal about requesting bicycle infrastructure improvements. The West Bronx and West Queens are also show a growing interest, and cycling and associated infrastructure are viewed mostly positively citywide.
First time poster. Just started using citi bikes and the program is great IF you are in an area with bikes. I live in the east village and if I use the bikes to commute to midtown (along the first ave bike path up and the second ave bike path down) I can save over $100 a month (112/month - month cost of $99 citi subscription) and by more healthy. The problem is that too many other east villagers have had this thought and bikes are very scarce in the morning and racks are very full in midtown. After 5:30 the situation is reversed. If you have a reverse commute, you are very lucky when it comes to bikes.
Although the bikes are intended for commuting, I have also used them for leisure. Taking the bike out from the east village I rode it along the east side bike path. Every mile or two there is a station, right by the river! Pop the bike in, it's returned, put in your key, and take it out again. It's yours for another 45 minutes, and all it took was a minute. Use that minute to grab a drink or take a picture or whatever. I think the system needs to be changed because it can be abused. When I did it there were tons of bikes available, but fights can break out if bikes are scarce.
However, I found a limitation to this method. I found a bike that I liked so I kept on returning it and taking it out again because that was the easiest way. On my 4th or 5th try I got a red light. Does anyone know if citi has stated anything about this limitation? I think there should be a 3 or 4 minute wait til you can take out the same bike, but that's just me.
On my 4th or 5th try I got a red light. Does anyone know if citi has stated anything about this limitation? I think there should be a 3 or 4 minute wait til you can take out the same bike, but that's just me.
In their original literature it stated that there was a 5 minute period where you couldn't take out any bike but it would appear that anecdotal evidence suggests this is not the case.
What if they did a bonus point or badge system for people who ride bikes from full racks to emptier ones? Would there be some arrangement that could make this useful?
I have no problem with citi bike. It's good for environment and if it saves a few people some money it's cool with me. It's a niche program but it's not like it's this huge inconvenience for the most of us. It's presence is not ruining my life. I don't really have a use for it because my commute too long and it is fairly linear.
Isn't it silly to make you dock a bike and take it out again to get around the goofy 31 minute penalty?
There is meant to be a five minute lockout. Rules are rules. If you don't like it don't use it.
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