NY CitiBike vs Bringing My Folding Bike

CitiBike Kiosk just off of 7th Avenue in Midtown. Lights & Bells included.

During my last trip into New York City for a post Fashion Week event, I took a little time to check out the new CitiBikes I saw lined up at various points in Midtown. I walked along 7th Avenue from 34th Street downtown to Soho and noticed a few people riding them albeit quite slowly. These are very heavy bikes, weighing in at 45 lbs. I thoroughly understand that they need to be because they are made to accommodate heavier riders, up to 260 lbs. Since I have already taken my Greenzone Folding Bike to NYC on the train and rode it downtown to Chelsea, I think I can offer a pros and cons comparison of the two experiences.

Getting to NYC 
Most trains along the eastern corridor including New Jersey Transit offer space at the end of the cars for full sized bicycles. I was able to put my folding bicycle in its carry-bag and place it right on the seat for the ride.

My folding bicycle bagged and on the train to NYC.

This was not a big deal but when I got to NYC Penn Station, the escalator from the train platform was OUT so I had to carry the bicycle up the stairs. Welcome to NY! Not too bad as my bicycle is the alloy version and weighs only about 25 lbs. So for this portion of the trip I'd say CitiBike - 1, Folding Bicycle - 0 

Streetside in NYC
Once I arrived in NYC, I was able to quickly set up my foldy and start riding right in front of Penn Station. I went down 9th Avenue to pick up the Bike Path on 10th by taking 34th Street. This was very easy and I felt completely safe even when I wasn't using the Bike Lanes.

When I went to NYC last week, I didn't see a CitiBike Kiosk until I was pretty far down on 7th Ave. It wasn't terribly far from the train station but I would have liked to have seen one a bit closer. So for this leg of my trip, I'm going to give CitiBike - 0 and Foldy - 1

I was almost in Chelsea before I saw my first CitiBike Kiosk off of 7th Ave.

Picking up Your CitiBike
I noticed that most of the Kiosk spaces were almost completely filled with CitiBikes even though I did see at least ten people tooling around on them. There might be a few reasons why. CitiBike requires 24hr pass users get to your destination within 30 minutes and dock your bike or you will be charged extra, ($4.00 for 30-40 mins.overtime). CitiBike only takes MasterCard (which I happen to have) but it's a bit inconvenient if you don't. Once you have paid, ($9.95 + tax for a 24 hour pass), you have to lift the CitiBike straight up by the fat seat and then let it down to unlock it from the station. Hurry up and adjust the seat because you're paying for it now! Throw your bag in the front basket slot and secure it with the looped bungee (if you can). It squashed my Italian leather duffel bag which barely fit. By the time I found my first Kiosk, I would have already been half way downtown on my folding bicycle.
Here's the score for this experience: CitiBike - 0, my Foldy - 1

My Greenzone Foldy downtown at Chelsea Piers

Riding in Midtown
The reality of riding in Midtown means competing with cars, taxis and trucks who are all bigger and more experienced on the streets of NYC than you. CitiBike specifically tells you to stay off the sidewalks and most Midtown streets and avenues are ONE WAY. That means you will have to figure out how to get to where you're going (in 30 minutes remember), without cutting through pedestrian traffic and walk-ways. With 45 lbs of CitiBike, it would be impossible on crowded city streets. With my folding bike, I was able to walk it up on the sidewalk and take a seat on a bench. I can even fold it up and take it with me inside a building and on an elevator. I also wasn't frantic about figuring out when and where I could dump my rental before I got charged extra.  Sooooo...CitiBike - 0, my Folding Bike - 1

My poor bag almost fit!  Notice the REAL bicycles parked nearby.

The Return Trip
So if you were able to drop your CitiBike off at a Kiosk in 30 minutes, kudos!  When I finished my event on West Broadway and Houston Street, (pronounced House-ton), there was a Kiosk right around the corner. However, I was looking around and all the adjacent streets were going in the opposite direction to where I needed to go. 7th Ave. runs one-way North to South downtown so I would need to pick up a CitiBike on another avenue going uptown. Oye! With my folding bicycle, I simply road down to the streets or walked the sidewalks I needed and used the ones going in the right direction towards my destination. Really very easy BUT once I got back to Penn Station I had to carry my foldy down to the train platform on a crowded stairway. This was pretty horrible not to mention scary! If I had rented a CitiBike, I would have been able to leave it in NYC, board my train and relax. So for this scenario: CitiBike - 1, my Foldy - 0

The Wrap
So you will have to figure out which works best for you, but you've been warned! CitiBike is no ride in the park, (although for extra rental time, you could arrange it).  I think if you live it NYC, it could be quite useful if you buy the yearly program that gives you 45 minutes to dock or die. What concerns me is that on an absolutely gorgeous, sunny, 72 degrees, low humidity day...the CitiBike Kiosks I personally saw were all nearly completely full. I think the concept is a good one but the inflexibility of payment and one-way street restrictions might be off-putting for someone who is just visiting for the day. Even with all of the carrying and lifting, I think I would still bring my own Folding Bike into the city instead of using CitiBike once I'm there. Well, that's just me!

My Greenzone Folding Bike is the clear winner over CitiBike.

Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work or anywhere else! PHOTO: Crossover Helmet by Nutcase, GLC's Guilden Carry All, Craghopper's Gabriela Dress, Pistil's Straw Hat and OKeefe Scarf, Naya Maeve Sandals.

BIKE MONTH, NYC CITIBIKE-BIKE SHARE LAUNCH: While May is officially Bike Month, this is Bike to Work Week, (May 13th - 17th) with Bike to Work DAY coming on May 17th. More Americans are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices this year which makes getting around by bicycle even more attractive. NYC's plan to launch their city-wide Bike Share Program seems on track and scheduled to fully roll out on May 27th. This is really exciting because it gives people a chance to try getting around by bicycle before perhaps investing in one. Depending on where you live, keeping a bicycle in your apartment just might not be feasible.

So here are a few outfit & accessories ideas to help you along on your own bicycle or if you're using the CitiBike Program to get around.  Keep in mind that no matter which you choose, there is some amount of walking involved in every commute so it's important to make sure your shoes are comfy even off the bicycle.

Bicycle Helmets

Nutcase Crossover fits neatly inside the Guilden Carry-All

As a teen, I road around the city without a bicycle helmet for years. Now I am seldom seen without some sort of head-protection. Helmets have gotten a lot cooler these days and while I'm especially fond of my road bike helmets, they don't quite go with the urban vibe of bicycle commuting. I like the Crossover by Nutcase shown in the lead photo in Fire Engine Red. It's fully vented and has a comfortable chin strap cover with magnetic clasp. 
Once you arrive at your destination, take it with you by stowing it in the Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle. It will fit in this bag with room to spare and no one will be the wiser to your arrival by bicycle!

GLC's Guilden Carry-All attaches to your rear rack. Fits the new CitiBike Baskets too!

Bicycle Baskets
I've always been of the opinion that messenger bags are for well, bike messengers! That's because they are notorious for shifting during your ride. If your commute requires you carry in more equipment or supplies, consider a basket. I've found market & shopping trips to be a lot easier with a rear wire basket.  That way you can place all of your gear in a removable basket.  Since it's in the rear, no worries about squirrely steering up front. This Basil Cosa rear basket clamps securely onto my rear rack and the fold-in handles lock down in place. This is my farmer's market basket as it holds a LOT of produce!

Cosa Rear Basket by Basil NL

Bicycle Panniers
Another option for urban commuting and the downtown ride would be to use bicycle panniers that hang from your bicycle rack.  These are usually easy to put on and take off.  You can choose a variety of colors like these bright orange ones from Detours (Fremonster Flap in Poppy) which will give you extra visibility in traffic or go with something more subtle. 

Detours Fremoster Flap Panniers-totes clip on and off quickly.

Bicycle Clothing

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriela Dress

Of course we want to ride with something that's going to be comfortable! The CitiBike has a nice step through so us ladies can wear skirts and dresses to work if we wish. Just keep in mind that being on a bicycle means being exposed to the elements. Sun, wind, insects are all just waiting for you on your ride. 

That's why I was so pleased to discover Craghopper's NosiLife Collection, specifically their Gabriella Dress which offers a UPF of 45 and mosquito repellent properties. You can dress the Gabriela up or down but it is an office ready piece that you can ride in comfortably due to the stretch jersey fabric.

Padded Shorts
You might want to add something like Pedal Panties, (Bicycle Lingerie) or a Terry Mesh Liner underneath for a little extra padding but the CitiBike seats are known to be quite cushy and wide.


Bicycle Shoes
Yes, they make pumps with SPD plates built into them! You really don't need that for a simple bike commute though. I like the Naya Maeve Leather Sandals because they are very comfortable and look great once you arrive at your destination.  The soles have a rubbery grip that keeps you from slipping.  These really are comfortable despite the heel height and you'll find them to be perfect as they require very little break-in time.

Naya Maeve Leather Sandals in Oxford Brown

Prepare for a Rainy Day
The weather can change in a second, especially during summer months. Your bike commute gear should include some type of rain wear that will cover you on the bicycle. This is where a bicycle with fenders is going to be your very best friend! That or a rear rack with a center shelf like my Blackburn. As for a raincoat, I like ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench Coat.  Downtown chic styling but super lightweight.  Roll it up and pack it into its hood when you don't need it.  Has a bit of stretch and zip pits, it is completely waterproof and covers your whole outfit. One of the best raincoats I own.

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench rolls into its own hood!

Bike Month: CitiBike and GLC's Guilden Carry All

Right: GLC's Guilden Carry All designed for the Capitol Bike Share Program in Washington D.C.

Spring 2013 NYC Bike Share Program: One of the pure joys I have as a fitness author and blog editor is the opportunity to meet some real movers and shakers. I'm talking about people who walk the walk (or ride the ride) and are making a difference with innovative designs and ideas. Two intrepid entrepreneurs who fit this description are two former college roommates, Debra Zusin and Mariana R. Chambers of Give Love Cycle. They've designed both the small and large Guilden Carry All with cyclists like us in mind.

Guilden Carry All on my Nishiki (Blackburn Rear Rack)

This May, the NYC Bike Share (CitiBike) Program has finally launched after several stalls, projected starts and then delays. As someone who often travels into NYC for business and pleasure, I was quite excited about this program since the Bike Path is often my main transportation route around the city. 
Previously, I would bring my own alloy folding bicycle on the train. Problem is, carrying it up the stairs from the train platform (sometimes the escalator is not working) at Penn Station is a bit much, especially during rush hour.

Riding our Green Zone Foldy downtown at Chelsea Piers, NYC.

As for carry on luggage you can see in the photo above, the standard issue Trek Trunk most cyclists use. I'm not knocking this bag but it is not very comfortable (or stylish) to carry even though it comes with a shoulder strap. Taking it on and off the bicycle is also a bit of a pain. The Guilden Carry All secures easily by means of built in strap clips and loops. So two things which are made for each other can solve my NYC transportation issues: CitiBike + GLC's Guilden Carry All.

GLC's Guilden Carry All with reflective piping, is made to fit CitiBike Baskets

I really think this is a much better solution to getting around the city but it's made that much easier when you have the right "luggage" on board. The small Guilden Carry All was made to fit the CitiBike, bike share bicycles' front basket with ease. The reflective piping all around gives you extra visibility when the sun goes down. So it's a win-win situation. Roomy enough to accommodate your helmet, extra clothing and other items. One of my pet peeves is when people tell me they drove to the gym to take a spinning class. I'm thinking "Wow, what a waste!"  All of that gas, energy and time. How about just getting some exercise and fresh air while doing your errands or commuting to work? A bag like this would be a great gift for someone who has signed up for a bike share program or is thinking about commuting by bicycle. Really this bag fits on any rear rack or Dutchy style handle bars.

I'm hoping that the bike share program expands to many other cities but right now I am LOVING this bag on my own bicycle.  While it is ready for the CitiBike transfer, it also looks amazing on your arm. Now when I head into the city, my Guilden Carry All is ready for the trip!

GLC's Guilden Small Carry All in Bone