Brooklyn and Queens officials today lauded the success of the city’s Citi Bike program as it achieved its 50 millionth ride since the system’s launch in May 2013.
Citi Bike is also on track to break last year’s record of 14 million rides for the year. By this fall, the system will have doubled in size since 2014, from 6,000 to 12,000 bikes. Daily ridership continues to grow as well: the system, the largest among more than 50 bike share systems in North America, regularly records more than 60,000 rides per day in peak season.
Riders recently set the new daily ridership record, clocking 74,428 trips on September 12. While individual bikes average seven uses per day, one bike recorded 36 trips over a single day in July. Daily ridership continues to grow as well: the system, the largest among more than 50 bike share systems in North America, regularly records more than 60,000 rides per day in peak season.
“In 2014, we committed to saving a struggling bike-share system and having it expand to more New York City communities,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “In almost three years since, the results speak for themselves: from Harlem to Red Hook, from Astoria to Bed-Stuy, those blue bikes have now become part of the fabric of our city — and we can now look forward to the 100 millionth ride.”
As part of its 2017 expansion, Citi Bike is installing stations in Harlem and in the Queens neighborhood of Astoria, ahead of further expansion into Crown Heights and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn.
“Congratulations to New York City bike riders on their 50 million Citi Bike rides. It is a testament to the program’s success. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s an affordable option for New Yorkers to tackle their daily commute into the city. I hope to see that option expand even further into Queens and the Bronx,” said Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx)
“I’m proud to congratulate New York City’s successful bike share venture, Citi Bike, on reaching the milestone of their 50 millionth ride. Throughout its existence, Citi Bike has offered commuters and tourists alike an affordable, accessible way to navigate the city. From reducing traffic congestion to promoting healthy habits, the benefits of biking are enormous. For my part, I will continue to advocate at the federal level to make our City safer and to enhance transportation options,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Lower Manhattan).
Citi Bike’s Phase 2 expansion will be completed by the end of 2017, doubling the size of the network. Citi Bike has 10,000 bikes at over 600 stations, and will have 12,000 bikes at 750 stations by the end of this year.
In addition to the aforementioned new neighborhoods, stations are currently located every few blocks in Manhattan as far north as 130th Street and in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Red Hook, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint along with Long Island City, Queens.
“50 million rides on Citi Bike translates into 50 million positive stories for riders in our city, and counting. Bike share is helping to make Brooklyn a safer place to raise healthy children and families, while providing a common-sense option for commuters and tourists alike. I am excited to welcome Citi Bike to Crown Heights and Prospect Heights in the weeks ahead, and I look forward to supporting the network’s further expansion into underserved communities in our borough,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.
“Citi Bike’s continuous growth highlights the importance of having options when traveling within New York City. I am looking forward to Citi Bike’s expansion into Queens,” said Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (Woodside, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst).
“Citi Bike’s growth in Queens is fantastic,” said New York City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria and Maspeth). “I am proud that Long Island City was the first neighborhood in Queens to get Citi Bike stations and thrilled for the expansion. I look forward to Citi Bike’s expansion to all parts of Queens and our City!”
“Citi Bike provides New Yorkers with an important transportation option that promotes both a healthy environment and a healthy body,” said Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr. (D-Bed-Stuy, Northern Crown Heights). “As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Small Business, I also understand the importance of transportation alternatives like Citi Bike to the progress of small business owners, and have advocated for the increased availability of such options throughout New York City. I am extremely pleased to see the program expanding to even more neighborhoods in this City and am excited by the prospect of the many millions of rides to come.”
“I’m proud that we have been able to achieve yet another alternative form of transportation for New Yorkers. Alongside projects such as the new Red Hook Ferry, we are offering proof that our existing infrastructure can indeed handle these changes, and that they are changes we must enact. We must embrace these eco-friendly methods of transportation wherever we can. Our health, our beloved city, and our world all depend on it.” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca (Sunset Park, Red Hook).
The annual cost of a Citi Bike membership is $163 or $14.95/month with an annual commitment. NYCHA residents and members of select community development credit unions are eligible to receive discounted $5/month memberships.
Annual members receive an electronic key to undock a bike from any station, allowing unlimited trips up to 45 minutes without incurring any additional costs. Twenty-four-hour and three-day passes are available for purchase at any Citi Bike station or through the Citi Bike app and provide unlimited 30-minute trips. Reduced cost memberships are available for NYCHA residents and members of select credit unions throughout the city, and for IDNYC holders in their first year of membership.
Learn more at citibikenyc.com
