Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
werner-citi-bike-streetsblog

Werner is a retired sociology professor living in Cobble Hill. He signed up for bike-share to help him get around the neighborhood (his nearest Citi Bike station is a couple of blocks away in Brooklyn Heights).

At age 87, Werner finally gave up driving about a month ago. The bikes increase his range and riding a few blocks is physically easier than walking. Even with painted bike lanes like the one on Henry Street, though, he does not feel completely comfortable riding with traffic. "You're still too close to the cars. They should build more of the two-way ones, like the one by Prospect Park."

On the day Citi Bike launched, Werner was out testing out the system. "A reporter interviewed me, a nice woman from the New York Post. She kept asking me if I was having any problems using the bikes, I kept telling her, no, I've had no problems. The next day I opened the paper, and the story said there was nothing but problems!"

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

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

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025
See all posts