An Amusement & Diversion for The Genteel Cyclist. Daily.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Take me!


We were waiting to see if New York's bike share pilot program would ever hit the streets-- and it has. Modelled on Paris's current rollout of 20,000 free bikes to the public, the Manhattan model is less ambitious. The idea is to get more people making short trips by bicycle. (Indeed, long trips in the city tend to be gritty, nasty, and dangerous--fun for the messenger set, hellacious for the rest).

Will it work? City honchos are watching closely.


New York City officials, who are aware of Mr. Haskell’s goals, are trying to determine if a ride-share program would work.

“We are studying it with interest,” said Molly Gordy, a spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Transportation. “The big questions for us are how to combat theft and vandalism, which are two problems prevalent in New York.”


Judging from the pictures we've seen of the bike stock, the outlook is grim: We see quick releases on both tires and the seatpost. We wish them nothing but success, but quick release components won't last --ahem-- a New York minute.

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