Are You Ready for Bike Sharing?

By Rob Goulding

We live in a city of constant change, and as individuals interested in the environment, we know that effecting change often starts with ourselves.  Recently, New York City announced plans for its newest transit option, the long awaited bicycle-sharing program. As a bike enthusiast, a part-time bike to work commuter and a student of urban policy, I view this announcement as an exciting step as New York City continues to adapt to sustainable living in the 21^st century. Coupled with bike lanes and refined pedestrian plazas, this program has the potential to change the way we interact with our city.  If successful, as it’s proven to be in other cities, this approach to light infrastructure design, which requires zero tax payer dollars, will intersect nicely with EPA’s mission to protect the environment. There are a few things we must do, as citizens, to ensure the program’s success:  participate in the planning process, and use the program (or encourage others to do so).

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.