Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Wednesday’s Headlines: Citi Bike Mystery Edition

Our deputy editor was disappointed on Tuesday morning to find the one electric Citi Bike available near his apartment was, in fact, vandalized and unavailable for use.

That's right — as you can see in the above photo, the bike had its QR code and PIN numbers keyed out, making it impossible to rent or ride without one of the rare Citi Bike key fobs.

Other Citi Bike users chimed in on Twitter to say that they had also seen vandalized QR quotes and identification numbers on Citi Bikes in recent weeks. One Redditor suggested, without evidence, that the culprits are teens hoping to "reserve" the bikes for personal use by making it impossible for anyone else to rent them. We've asked the NYPD if it has more information.

One thing is certain: Citi Bike's e-bikes are in high demand — with many more trips than "classic" non-electric bikes — and low supply, thanks in part to city rules that limit the bike-share fleet to 20 percent electric.

The dynamics of that limited supply were on full display in this month's "Citi Bike Karen" saga, in which a white hospital nurse got into a shouting match with a group of black teens over who would get to rent an e-bike.

The clip of the incident went viral and sparked a reputational war-of-words between the nurse, who is pregnant, and the families of the young men. But given the limited supply, it's hardly surprising that anyone who relies on the e-bikes — for commuting, recreation, or anything else — would go to extra lengths to make the system work for them.

In fact, according to a recent interview with one of the teens and his family, the group of boys had stopped and docked their bikes to keep their rides under 45 minutes and avoid paying extra fees. They were waiting around hoping to take the same bikes back home to the Bronx.

“Regular Citi Bike riders do this,” the boy's older sister explained to NewsOne. “The price goes up after 45 minutes for everyone, so people routinely ride their bikes, dock their bikes, ride their bikes, and dock their bikes again.”

In other news:

  • You probably missed Manhattanhenge last night. (NY PostGothamist)
  • City officials were in Albany on Tuesday to push "Sammy's Law" and other Adams administration priorities. (NY Post)
  • Gothamist previewed an upcoming (official) oral history of Citi Bike.
  • These bikes at the Taylor Swift concert over the weekend could be our movement's big break. (Reddit)
  • WPIX checks in on DOT's proposed McGuinness Boulevard bike lanes, which Streetsblog has (obviously) also covered.
  • How Amtrak's contractor for new Acela trains failed to prepare for the obvious. (WSJ)
  • Truck carrying crane destroys Queens power lines. (CBS New York)
  • Did you see that even Ford's CEO thinks e-truck batteries are too big? (The Verge)
  • Meet the car dealers standing in the way of the electric car revolution. (Slate)
  • "Dave Colon" won the DOT name-a-bike competition twice and it's possible he'll have to win it a third time. It's possible. (Just kidding; the bike will official be named Cargi B.) (NYC DOT via Twitter)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts