Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

Why Wilson Rides

4:58 PM EDT on April 29, 2011

Here’s the fourth portrait in Streetsblog’s weekly “Why I Ride” series.

Don't let the business casual wear fool you - Wilson rides fast, even when commuting home from the office. It took me a minute or two to catch up to him on the East River Esplanade but once I did, he was more than happy to stop for a portrait.

Wilson works with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. He cycles to and from work nearly year-round, stopping only for snow in the dead of winter. His regular ride is between his home in the East Village and his office in the Financial District; a good route, he says, because it's fast and keeps him out of car traffic for most of the journey.

I ask him why he prefers the bike and he readily lists his reasons -- health, speed, convenience, environment... Since he started riding in New York about two years ago, he hasn't had so much as a cold, a fact he attributes to regular exercise.

When I finish shooting, I let him be on his way and thank him for giving me a few minutes of his time. "Oh, no problem." He pauses for a moment and then adds, "I love my bike."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’

"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."

September 29, 2023

City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct

Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.

September 28, 2023
See all posts