Skip to content

Why Bob Rides

Here's the latest installment -- and first-ever January edition -- of Streetsblog’s Why I Ride series.

Here’s the latest installment — and first-ever January edition — of Streetsblog’s Why I Ride series.

You never know who you’ll meet on a bike in New York. Yesterday it was famous illustrator/designer Bob Gill.

“It’s called a ‘butcher’s basket.'” he says in answer to my question. “It’s the biggest one I could find.”

I ask Mr. Gill, who rides his bike all over New York, why he chooses that mode of transport. He has the slightly exasperated bearing of someone giving an obvious answer to a stupid question: “It’s faster, it’s cheaper than a cab, I get exercise. It’s better in every way.” No argument here.

It turns out I photographed him on his 82nd birthday. Happy birthday, Mr. Gill –  May your butcher’s basket always be full!

Streetsblog will be offline Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and will be back publishing on Tuesday.

Comments Are Temporarily Disabled

Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.

Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.

More from Streetsblog New York City

State Bill Would Stop Highway Expansions Near Vulnerable New Yorkers

April 3, 2026

Study: How Capping Vehicle Sizes Could Help Save the World

April 3, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Margin For Terror Edition

April 3, 2026

Talking Headways Podcast: Civil Rights, Civic Transport

April 3, 2026

UPDATE: Hit-And-Run Ambulance Driver Kills Woman on Deadly Ocean Avenue

April 2, 2026
See all posts