How many riders have survived the Citibike program beside me?
…Apparently, all of us, so far!
I think that the reason for so much surprise is the struggle in the street among the drivers, the cyclists and the pedestrians. As I am all three, I see the difference in the perspectives. When I am walking, I fear getting taken out by a cab or bus. Vehicles have always dominated the streets, and sometimes the sidewalks. Buses go over curbs when going around the corners. Cabs can be anywhere. When driving in the city I am constantly aware of bikes around me. I need to check for them before I turn at a corner or drive in either the right or left lanes.
Vehicle domination is being threatened by the increase in bike riders, both Citibikes and private bikes. They are being given or are taking lanes on the roads but not consistently. Construction and double-parked cars prevent smooth travel down the street. This forces bikers into lanes further to the middle of the street. The role of bikes has greatly increased in the city transportation with the Citibike rollout. This change may be permanent for a full role for bikes on city roads.
But the bikers will need to become responsible and follow the laws of the road. One near death experience for me was in Amsterdam when I was walking across a bike path. I was nearly run down. How many pedestrians will survive the Citibike program?