Why don't New Yorkers Bike to Work?

Friday, June 11, 2010

Why don’t New Yorkers Bike to Work?

It’s a beautiful day with no humidity and it took me 5 minutes to go the twenty blocks to my office. Later, I will bike 3 minutes to a midtown meeting, and 7 minutes home. It’s so easy, I’m literally stunned how few people do it.

Here are, in no particular order, the reasons people list for not biking and why they are wrong:

1. It’s too dangerous. I’m scared.

Get over it. You can crawl along in the new bike lanes and just by paying really, really close attention nothing will happen to you. If you must, get some mirrors for your handle bars so you can see cars behind you. Hold on with two hands and you can break to avoid anything. Taxis are probably equally dangerous. I don’t have data, but I do know you should get over your fear.

2. My bike will get stolen:

Maybe, but mostly not. Look, remove all your quick release technology, buy a chain or kryptonite, and try to park in reasonably crowded places. It can get stolen, but if it does who cares. You pay 90 bucks a month for the subway and when you throw in the cab rides you have to do because you’re wiped or drunk or whatever, you spend plenty of money on non-bike transportation. I’ve (knock on wood) been biking for years and have never had a theft. Warning: Get a cheap bike. Ride a pricey one that looks amazing and you’re asking for more trouble.

3. I hate getting sweaty before work.

Well then slow down and you won’t get sweaty. I’ve learned to not ride hard to every meeting. Even if you crawl on your bike it’s the fastest transportation there is. Especially crosstown. Stop making excuses.

4. It might rain.

So you get wet. Jesus.

5. I live in Brooklyn.

Yes, so now it’s actual exercise. How great is that?

6. There is no six.

Just spend a few hundred bucks on a bike and star pedaling. Manhattan is pretty flat. You don’t need to be in shape. God knows, I’m not. If our whole industry pedaled to work it would make a noticeable impact on the NYC environment. People would be more inspired. Perhaps there would be a network effect or a viral loop or some other cool Internet type of thing.