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

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

image

Julio has been working as a building superintendent for 15 years. During that time he has found that a bike is the best way to move between the 10 properties he supervises. He lives in Alphabet City and had at one point considered using his car for work, but found that gas prices and parking hassle and expense were just not worth it. He rides year round, preferring the bike over the subway even in winter: "The subway sometimes is too slow. And I have buildings all over the place." The properties he manages are scattered from Midtown to Chinatown, so most of his trips are five miles or less. It's an added bonus that he is not underground in case a tenant needs to call him.

Julio had a smaller, lighter bike that was recently stolen; he assumes the thieves had cut through the padlock (they made off with the chain). So he's riding his backup cruiser bike, which he's not thrilled with: "It's too heavy! I usually like to bring my bike inside the building. Not so easy going up stairs with this one." He's now in the market for a new bike. A system of, say, public bikes stationed within easy walking distance of his buildings might also help with the lugging-up-stairs problem.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Wednesday’s Headlines: Return of Summer Streets Edition

Summer Streets is back and bigger than ever. Plus more news.

July 2, 2025

How Will Mamdani Govern? His Earlier MTA Advocacy Gives Some Hints

Mamdani spent his initial years as a state assemblyman cultivating relationships in and around the MTA while crafting his vision for "fast and free buses."

July 2, 2025

Brooklyn Judge Once Again Declines to Rip Up Bedford Ave. Protected Bike Lane… For Now

Well-connected lawyer Frank Seddio argued against the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane in court on Tuesday.

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025
See all posts