May is bike month, and the New York City MTA is celebrating with the launch of its Bike-and-Ride initiative. Last week, the city published a web site to encourage commuters to combine their trips on public transit with cycling journeys.
The site also tackles some of the practical problems that biking in a big, traffic-snarled city brings (i.e. being doored by taxis, dodging wayward trucks, or wedging your wheels into a crowded corner on a train at rush hour). Mainly, the MTA spells out the nitty gritty on how to bring your bike aboard various NYC transit systems and offers a roster of helpful links.
Bikes are always allowed on the NYC subway (though it’s best to avoid bringing them on during rush hour), and bike commuters can purchase a lifetime pass for $5 for most other NYC transit systems (i.e. Metro North and LIRR).
“When you use transit and your bike,” boasts the MTA site, “you’re making a transportation choice that’s inexpensive, healthy, and good for the planet.” Despite the disappointing outcome of NYC’s failed bid for congestion pricing, New York deserves hearty applause for its earnest efforts to become a more bike-friendly city.
Photos via flickr by Kaile and Pants Pants.
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HOORAY!!!
The only reason that the Congress wasted money on Amtrak is so they can prop up the unions to get more votes. Other than NY-Boston, no one rides this huge waste of money.