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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 183-13
June 2, 2013

MAYOR BLOOMBERG DISCUSSES CITI BIKE, THE NATION'S LARGEST BIKE SHARE SYSTEM, IN WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS

The following is the text of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s weekly radio address as prepared for delivery on 1010 WINS News Radio for Sunday, June 2, 2013.

“Good Morning.  This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

“It’s not often that a city gets to launch an entirely new transit system that gives residents another way to get around town, while also boosting the local economy.  But, last week on Memorial Day, we did just that when we opened Citi Bike, our new, 24/7 transportation network.  With 6,000 bikes now available at more than 300 stations, Citi Bike is the largest bike share program in the country.  And it’s going to help fill in gaps in our subway and bus system – at no cost to taxpayers.

“That’s because Citi Bike is 100% privately funded.  And Citi Bike stations, which are currently located in Manhattan below 59th Street and in a number of neighborhoods in Brooklyn, including Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, were developed in close consultation with community boards, civic groups and residents to decide where they were most needed.  You can visit NYC.gov to learn more about current and future Citi Bike locations.

“Citi Bike is also going to be great for our millions of visitors, providing them with another way to see the city.  Tourism is one of our economy’s fastest-growing sectors.  And Citi Bike will help to sharpen our competitive edge versus other major cities, like Washington, D.C., Paris and London that have successfully launched bike share programs and who compete with us in attracting visitors.

“In addition to expanding our transit network and providing another option for New Yorkers and our many visitors, the Citi Bike program was designed with an emphasis on safety, and that’s good news for everyone.  Citi Bikes have all the essential safety features cyclists and drivers need.  The bikes have sturdy frames, bells, front lights, and tail lights. The program also stresses safety education, from a guide to the rules of the road printed on Citi Bike handlebars, to helmet giveaways and discounts.  Everyone who signs up for a Citi Bike annual membership will receive a $10 coupon toward the purchase of a helmet.  New Yorkers can also call 3-1-1 to get information about free helmet fittings held by our Department of Transportation.

“Judging by the response so far, Citi Bike couldn’t have come at a better time.  Only a week since its launch, over 20,000 New Yorkers have already signed up to become annual subscribers.  Annual memberships cost $95, and allow users to get an unlimited number of 45-minute rides, to and from any bike share station.  And starting today, Citi Bike becomes available to non-subscribers, who can purchase day passes for $9.95 or weekly passes for $25, both of which provide unlimited 30-minute trips.

“When Citi Bike is fully built out, it will feature 10,000 bikes at 600 stations.  With more people choosing to get around town by bike, it's important for all of us – cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers – to follow the rules of the road, so we can keep making our streets safer than ever.

“This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.  Thanks for listening.”







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Marc La Vorgna   (212) 788-2958



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