Citi Bike Expanding In Upper Manhattan And The Bronx

Harlem NY

29 April, 2020

1:54 PM

Description

HARLEM, NY — More than 100 new Citi Bike stations will be added to the Bronx and Upper Manhattan in the coming weeks. Organizers say the stations are being prioritized to help medical workers and other essential workers commute during the pandemic. In particular, they say the new stations will help support employees at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx and Harlem Hospital in Manhattan. The Department of Transportation says they've seen a large increase in Citi Bike riders at hospitals during the pandemic, and that bikes represent one of the safest ways to commute while still practicing safe social distancing. Several local lawmakers are applauding the move. "We welcome the expansion of Citi Bike to underserved communities in New York City, something that we have been calling on for years," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "I thank DOT and Citi Bike for their efforts in bringing this transportation alternative to Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx where it is much needed." Essential workers are also being offered free membership through the bikeshare's Critical Workforce Membership Program. Employers can apply for those memberships by emailing [email protected]. New Yorkers living in NYCHA buildings or who receive SNAP benefits can also apply for Citi Bike membership at a lowered rate of $5 per month. Lyft will begin installing the new stations on May 4. They will be set up at a variety of intersections decided by the DOT's Suggest-A-Station program and several community workshops. A map of the new Bronx stations can be found here. The maps of upcoming Manhattan stations are separated by community board and can be found here, here and here. The announcement comes just weeks after Citi Bike completed their expansion into Washington Heights. Like the new proposal, that expansion was also aimed to help health care workers commute during the pandemic. Lyft says they intend to expand the program to a total of 40,000 bikes over the next few years. Citi Bike is hosting a virtual town hall Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the new stations. To find out more or to register to attend visit their website here.