The benefits
When the weather cooperates, Simson often bikes over seven miles home from work. “It’s a good way of being in control of your commute,” she says. She stops midway to re-dock, and uses those few minutes to drink water and check her phone.
Biking even inspires date ideas for Simson and her avid cyclist boyfriend. During a rare sunny day in January, they made their own challenge and biked from Brooklyn to Queens, then crossed over the Triborough Bridge, then pedaled to the west side in Manhattan.
Geddie rides to meet friends throughout Brooklyn for brunch on Sundays, or uses a bike to head to a workout class since he’s already in gym clothes. There are also cycling-friendly spots with minimal car traffic. “There are docks right on the corner of Central Park, so I’ve done loops in there and you don’t have to worry about cars,” she says.
The cost
An annual pass will run you $169 per year (or $14.95 per month), and includes unlimited 45-minute trips and $2.50 for each additional 15 minutes. A 24-hour day pass costs $12 and includes unlimited 30-minute trips, while a three-day pass costs $24. Single rides are a sweet $3 apiece. Just be aware that if you keep a bike longer than 30 minutes, it's an extra $4 for each additional 15 minutes.