Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Athletes and Celebrities

Streetfilms: Michael Musto, Il Ciclista Dolce

4:38 PM EST on March 10, 2010

Village Voice entertainment columnist Michael Musto has been riding a bike in New York City for more than 25 years, long before it was fashionable or we had bike lanes and cycletracks.

Musto has never had a driver's license, and he tells us the bicycle is an advantage in his profession. Although he's had his share of bikes stolen (he recommends buying a used, cheap bike), he has nothing but positivity and praise for the velocipede:

I go everywhere on my bicycle. I go to work. I'll go to my screenings, my Broadway shows, my nightclubs -- and I'll ride it for recreation too, to Central Park... there's no downside that I can think of.

Incidentally, this is my second interview with Musto. The first came in 1999, when I was a volunteer at Transportation Alternatives. Musto was TA magazine's Cyclist of the Month, a feature that I got to write!

Clarence Eckerson Jr.@
Clarence Eckerson Jr. is the Director of Video Production for NYCSR's StreetFilms and producer of bikeTV. He loves the color purple, chocolate chip cookies, and enjoys walking, biking, and taking transit. He has never owned a driver's license.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Eyes on the Street

Third Ave. ‘Complete Street’ Adds Wide Bike Lane, But Still Keeps Too Much Space for Cars

The bike lane is a good start, but the city must aim higher for its "complete streets," advocates say.

December 8, 2023
license plates

Friday’s Headlines: Here’s a Great Fundraising Idea Edition

December 8, 2023

Cops Collar Driver Who Killed Heroic Nanny — But the Charge is Merely ‘Failure to Yield’

The charges don't match the outrage that the crash provoked.

December 8, 2023
Transit

What’s Behind the Increasing Assaults of NYC Transit Workers?

A new study says the violence isn't about the transit, but a reflection of our society.

December 7, 2023
Congestion Pricing

Thursday’s Headlines: What an Historic Day Edition

It was such a big deal that all sorts of strangers in the press corps showed up. Plus other news.

December 7, 2023
See all posts