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

City Council Members Joining Citi Bike: The Tally Grows

Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer is no stranger to bicycling. Now he's joined Citi Bike. Will his colleagues join him? Photo: Transportation Alternatives

DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan announced bike-share's Memorial Day launch date at last week's budget hearing, but Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer had some news of his own: He had joined thousands of New Yorkers in becoming a Citi Bike member.

"I want to say proudly I am one of the 8,000 people who have signed up for bike-share," Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer said, joining Brooklyn Council Members Steve Levin and Brad Lander in becoming a bike-share member. Like Lander, Van Bramer's district isn't even located in Citi Bike's initial service area. "We really want bike-share in western Queens," Van Bramer said.

In the week since Van Bramer's announcement, the program's membership rolls have grown from 8,000 to more than 10,000. Are any other council members awaiting key fobs in the mail?

Streetsblog has inquired with other council members in the service area to see if they are Citi Bike members or plan to join. Letitia James told Streetsblog via e-mail that she plans on becoming a member.

We're waiting on word from Gale Brewer, Margaret Chin, Dan Garodnick, Jessica Lappin, Rosie Mendez, Christine Quinn, and Albert Vann. We'll let you know if we hear any updates.

Update: Council Member Chin's office said that while she is "very supportive of bike-share," she will not be joining because does not know how to ride a bike, although she plans to learn how to ride in the future.

Update 2: Council Member Garodnick is not a Citi Bike member and does not know if he will join in the future, according to a spokesperson.

Update 3: A spokesperson for Council Member Lappin said that she plans on joining bike-share.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Kirsten Gillibrand Trots Out Bogus FDNY ‘Toxins’ in Quest to Weaken Congestion Pricing

Gillibrand's solution to potential toxins in the subway is more automobile toxins in the air.

February 4, 2025

Memo to Mayor Adams: Reliable Buses Start with You

Congestion pricing’s success and legacy depends on improving bus service. Mayor Adams must act.

February 4, 2025

Toyota Attacking Sustainable Transportation (Even More Than You Think)

The world's largest automaker has been ramping up spending to put climate change deniers in Congress, and crushing support for all kinds of sustainable modes in the process.

February 4, 2025

A Child Went For a Walk on a Rural Highway Alone. His Mom Got Arrested For It.

Should parents — or the state? — be liable when their children walk on dangerous roads?

February 4, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Is Congestion Pricing Finally … Popular?

Earth to President Trump: Don't cancel congestion pricing! Plus other news.

February 4, 2025
See all posts