My NYC Biking Story: Lucette Gilbert
Friday is National Bike to Work Day, and if you're looking for a little motivation to get on your bicycle, meet Lucette Gilbert. Lucette says she is in her "very late 70s" and biking since she was 7 years old. So, by my calculations, she has been riding a bike for some 70 years! She became a bike commuter in New York City during the 1980 transit strike and currently rides everywhere, including her daily trip to work from the Upper East Side to Union Square. Lucette's take on the state of bicycling in NYC: "People are not used to bicycles, but it's so heartwarming to see how many people are biking now."
11:49 AM EDT on May 19, 2011
Friday is National Bike to Work Day, and if you’re looking for a little motivation to get on your bicycle, meet Lucette Gilbert. Lucette says she is in her “very late 70s” and biking since she was 7 years old. So, by my calculations, she has been riding a bike for some 70 years! She became a bike commuter in New York City during the 1980 transit strike and currently rides everywhere, including her daily trip to work from the Upper East Side to Union Square. Lucette’s take on the state of bicycling in NYC: “People are not used to bicycles, but it’s so heartwarming to see how many people are biking now.”
Streetfilms would like to thank Recycle-A-Bicycle for sponsoring this chapter of the “My NYC Biking Story” series.
More from Streetsblog New York City
Lower Manhattanites Call for Parking Placard Purge
"Such a system cannot be repaired — it must be replaced": Lower Manhattan won't get safe streets until Mayor Mamdani confronts the placard class, locals say.
November 10, 2026
‘Sociopaths’ Illegally Blow Safety Redesign Outside Greenpoint School
The newly redesigned low-traffic intersection is mostly successful — except for some "sociopaths," as one local calls them.
November 10, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines: Power Brokers Edition
Two, count 'em two, chances to party with our editor. Plus other news.
November 10, 2026
Winter Is Coming: Will Mamdani Do A Better Job For Bus Riders And Citi Bikers This Year?
Talk about a winter wonder-land — Mayor Mamdani's big snow announcement raises a lot more transportation questions than it answers.
November 9, 2026
Mamdani Needs a Miracle on 34th Street Amid Mystery Delay
Mayor Mamdani "advanced" the 34th Street busway in June, but work on the redesign has yet to get underway as the end of painting season draws closer.
November 9, 2026
