My NYC Biking Story: Steve O’Neill
Prospect Heights resident Steve O'Neill has been biking for most of the 15 years he's lived in New York City. Steve commutes daily to Columbus Circle, and last year he added a new leg to his trip. Every day he drops his son Beckett off at school in Park Slope, and the new Prospect Park West bike lane helps him do that safely.
11:50 AM EDT on June 23, 2011
Prospect Heights resident Steve O’Neill has been biking for most of the 15 years he’s lived in New York City. Steve commutes daily to Columbus Circle, and last year he added a new leg to his trip. Every day he drops his son Beckett off at school in Park Slope, and the new Prospect Park West bike lane helps him do that safely.
As a subway trip it took 30 minutes — including a transfer and going up and down nearly 200 steps. On the bike, they get to school in just 10 minutes. How does Beckett feel about the bike ride to school? “The last time I didn’t ride it was winter and it was really snowy and he was begging to go on the bike instead of the subway,” Steve said.
Clarence Eckerson Jr. has been running Streetfilms for two decades after serving as a producer of BikeTV. He loves the color purple, chocolate chip cookies, and enjoys walking, biking, and taking transit. He has never had a driver's license. But he does have an award from the U.N. (yes, that U.N.!)
Read More:
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