Monday, November 10, 2008

Manhattan, take note.

Mayor Bloomberg would certainly approve. After having spent two weeks in Buenos Aires where the rabid and smoke-belching buses threaten pedestrians, and where we saw exactly four bicyclists, two of whom were involved in accidents, this urban novelty is precious and ought to be instituted here in New York where the rudimentary bike lane infrastructure is already in place.

7 comments:

Damon Fury said...

We saw the Bicing bikes and stands on our last trip to Barcelona -- fantastic idea, well executed.

Paris said...

I think it makes sense as a transitional idea, but given how cheap it is to buy and maintain a decent bicycle (not one of those $1,000 wonders), I think directly investing in cycle-friendly infrastructure makes more sense.

Tony Adams said...

Dear Paris,
While I agree with investing in exactly that infrastructure, I want you to think of the hordes of tourists in a city like New York and the dent that public bikes would put in the size of the taxi swarms that choke the city. The number of pedicabs is growing. I sometimes wonder as I watch them if my calves, even in their dotage, could benefit from that type of employment or would I have a heart attack in the traces.

Paris said...

Ahh, but that's different than the trend the article is talking about! I'm with you about bikes for tourists, but that is bike as recreation and not bike as transportation alternative.

That said, when I am in town for my interviews next month, I will take the subway!

Tony Adams said...

And I would certainly hope you will let me know when you are arriving. I may be here and would hate to miss an opportunity to meet.

tornwordo said...

We've got them here now. They're slowly adding stations for the system. They've added many more bike paths too including a controversial one straight through downtown on Maisonneuve.

Paris said...

Careful what you wish for Tony!