Transportation
What Will New York City's Bike Share Program Mean for Rider Safety?
Bike lanes could keep accident rates low, even without helmets.
Citi Bike, New York City's long-awaited bike share program, is launching in July. Earlier this month the program released a draft map of bike share stations; all told Citi Bike will boast 600 stations and 10,000 bikes. In short, the Citi is about to get a lot more Biki. So what does that mean for safety?
Two new studies illuminate potential public safety concerns that the city will have to consider as the bike share program gains popularity. The first is getting users to wear helmets. While state law only requires helmets for riders under age 14, Citi Bike encourages the practice among all users. The official bike share site even sends visitors to another city site that explains how riders can be fitted for and receive a free helmet.