Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

Why Cynthia Rides

5:06 PM EDT on June 24, 2011

Here’s the 11th portrait in Streetsblog’s weekly “Why I Ride” series.

Cynthia Why I Ride

This is Cynthia and her son, Adam. They were out for a leisurely ride on Prospect Park West along with Cynthia’s two older daughters, who were on their own bikes. Cynthia just graduated from a paralegal studies program and is looking for a job, which, as she told me, is like a job in itself.

Cynthia, a Park Slope resident, was an occasional cyclist a few years ago and then didn’t bike at all for a few years. I think being busy with raising three kids and going to school had something to do with that. She recently started biking again as a way to get more exercise, and has rediscovered a love for riding in the city. She also loves her new bike: “It was a gift from my husband. Best birthday present ever!” More than just exercise, she found that it’s a great way to spend time with her kids.

She was also pleasantly surprised at how much of the bike infrastructure has been updated during her hiatus. The increasing network of bike lanes makes her feel safer. Her opinion on the Prospect Park West reconfiguration is unequivocal: “It’s about time. It was much more dangerous here with the three lanes of traffic.” And despite his somewhat sullen expression, Cynthia assures me that Adam is a fan of the bike, too. “Oh, he loves it. I do all the work!”

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Maximum Rage: Delivery Workers Protest Low Wages, App ‘Lockouts’

Couriers with bikes and signs urge the city to step in as Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash withhold work, they say.

March 28, 2024

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Company That Fought McGuinness Safety Project Wants to Seize Bklyn Street for Private Backlot

Broadway Stages to Greenpoint residents: "Street safety for me, not for thee."

March 28, 2024

SEE IT: Hit-and-Run Driver With Fake Plate Seriously Injures Cyclist

The 5 p.m. crash occurred at Flushing and Waverly avenue near the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

March 28, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Shakira Shakira Edition

Pop superstar Shakira performed for a crowd of 40,000 packed into the Times Square pedestrian plazas. Plus congestion pricing news and more.

March 28, 2024
See all posts