Problem Solvers: BikeShare Talk

In the third installment of blogger Ben Kabak’s popularProblem Solvers series, this discussion will focus on the City’s new Bike Share program, scheduled to hit the streets in late July.

Just as Metrocards revolutionized the subways 20 years ago, bike share supporters hope the ease of the new program will bring about a new wave of bicycle commuting. Guest Caroline Samponaro is the Director of Bicycle Advocacy at Transportation Alternatives, an 8,000-member pro-bicycling non-profit founded in 1973.

Samponaro will discuss all the key issues of the bike share, a project that has been in the works for years. When Transportation Alternatives was founded in 1973, New York City’s cycling population was a fifth of what it is now and the number of pedestrians killed each year by cars was more than twice as high. Despite the growing momentum in the biking community, currently only about 1% of New Yorkers choose bikes as their main mode of transportation.

A monumental initiative, Bike Share supporters envision revolutionizing New York City transit. Riders will be able to check out bikes from 600 locations throughout the city by buying a pass for the day, week, month or year. Alta Bicycle Share, a Portland-based company, will manage the program. 

Doors open at 6 pm; program begins at 6:30. Guests are invited to explore the Museum prior to the start of the program. Light refreshments will be served.