Or... walk? For a lot of trips in central Manhattan, walking ten or twenty uptown blocks or cross-town for a few blocks is often the easiest way to get from point A to B. Personally, I don't really bike but I'm not sure the last time I felt I needed to take a cab in NYC.
When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
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Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#12When you're trying to get to the morgue? I'm sympathetic to cyclists - I am one myself - but the average CitiBike rider rides like an 8 year old who just got their first bike.
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#13Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#14what citi bikes need is a reward system to get riders to transfer bikes from plenty to empty areas. [edit] i meant to use Citi bike as a generic term.
In London they have teams of people unloading truckloads of bikes to places where all the lots are empty. I don't know how cost effective it is but it seems to be working pretty well
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#15Do people use bikes to get anywhere faster? I would use one to save on emissions and/or get some much needed exercis edit: so many replies! I guess I stand corrected, although the more I think about it, the less I'm surprised. I live in Japan, obviously known for its public transport. Interesting to note though once I travel abroad, thanks for the replies everyone :-)
My commute in London is faster by bike than any other mode of transport. The distance I cover in 30 minutes of cycling would take 45 minutes to drive (most of that stuck in traffic) and around 50 minutes on public transport. During the day cycling is very frequently the fastest way to get somewhere. Driving is also incredibly variable - one broken down bus or accident and you're looking at a 30 minute delay. Cycling is incredibly consistent - you do get slowed down by more traffic, but only slightly.
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#16I have been comparing biking and driving to work in Derby (UK) for my 7 mile commute. Biking can be quicker for me depending on traffic. I have just ordered an ebike that should shift the odds more in favour of this bike.
I always feel better having commuted on bike though
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#17Do people use bikes to get anywhere faster? I would use one to save on emissions and/or get some much needed exercis edit: so many replies! I guess I stand corrected, although the more I think about it, the less I'm surprised. I live in Japan, obviously known for its public transport. Interesting to note though once I travel abroad, thanks for the replies everyone :-)
Definitely. I've cycled in London for a long time (though I'm slightly out of town now) and depending on the time of day, it can be the fastest way to get across the city.
There are a few factors to consider. There are places you can go by bike that aren't always available to cars (cycle paths through parks, for example). You'll get from the exact starting point to exact finishing point. And general congestion will take care of the rest.
In a slightly different way, where I am now, the fastest way to get to work is to cycle 20 minutes to a more convenient train station and take the train in. The alternative is a) much less reliable and b) takes an extra 45 minutes (minimum).
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#18Do people use bikes to get anywhere faster? I would use one to save on emissions and/or get some much needed exercis edit: so many replies! I guess I stand corrected, although the more I think about it, the less I'm surprised. I live in Japan, obviously known for its public transport. Interesting to note though once I travel abroad, thanks for the replies everyone :-)
I live in a much, much smaller state-university city - but I bike between campuses and beat my coworkers in cars every time.
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#19Do people use bikes to get anywhere faster? I would use one to save on emissions and/or get some much needed exercis edit: so many replies! I guess I stand corrected, although the more I think about it, the less I'm surprised. I live in Japan, obviously known for its public transport. Interesting to note though once I travel abroad, thanks for the replies everyone :-)
In Seattle, many trips of 3-6 miles are fastest by bike. Faster than transit or car even without including parking time. There are quite a few dedicated bike paths that make it smooth sailing for most of the trip.
Re: When Citi Bikes Are Faster Than Taxis in New York City
#20Not much love for biking here; You'd almost think that most of the people on Hacker News are from Californian suburbs...
Seriously though, biking in cities is great. It's one of those critical mass problems where the more people that do it the better the infrastructure gets, the more aware drivers become and there is a herd mentality where bikers tend to flow together making them more predictable and therefore safer to be around.
I bike and drive in Toronto [i probably drive more than bike, depends on the weather and somewhat the mood i'm in], both have big up and downsides, just be considerate to everyone which ever you're taking part in!
Edit: I forgot to say, those Citi bikes in NYC [Bikeshare in Toronto, Santander in London] have a special cohort of people riding them. The bikes are so slow [heavy!!!], and the riders are casual riders. I love that it gets people moving, and I use them from time to time, but damn the whole experience of riding next to one is scary even as another biker.