Progressive Caucus members kicked off National Bike to Work Week today with group rides and a rally at City Hall to promote cycling advocacy and engagement. This event aims to bring cyclists together to celebrate and build community for a practice that promotes a healthy lifestyle, environmentally sustainable behavior and a viable transportation option within a congested and overburdened system.
The Caucus wants to thank the day’s sponsors Bike New York, Citi Bike, Streets Pac and Transportation Alternatives for your partnership on this third annual Council Bike to Work event. Full Release
WHAT PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS MEMBERS SAY:
“The Department of Transportation has made great strides in the last few years in improving safety and infrastructure for cyclists. More people are riding than ever, and the Progressive Caucus is taking this opportunity to showcase the fact that biking to work is a safe and healthy option for us and for all New Yorkers,” said Caucus Co-Chair Council Member Antonio Reynoso. “We are also calling for even more resources to be put toward bike safety, education, and infrastructure. As more New Yorkers turn to cycling for transportation and recreation, we need to make sure that drivers learn to share the road, and that safe routes are available for everyone.”
“The NYC Council Progressive Caucus Bike to Work Day plays an important role for our members, showing them both the value of active commuting, but also how must continue to make strides in improving conditions for cyclists,” said NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. “This is one of my favorite events on the calendar and helps to raise consciousness about the conditions of our bike lanes and other infrastructure in a fun and meaningful way. I am happy to join my progressive colleagues each year and hope to get more members on board going forward!”
“This is an exciting time to be a cyclist in NYC, with ridership increasing ever upwards and more bike lanes than ever. National Bike to Work Week is an opportunity for all of us to consider how we can continue to improve on transportation infrastructure to keep cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists safe,” said Caucus Vice-Chair, Council Member Helen Rosenthal.
“Commuting should be safe and easy no matter how you get to work,” said Caucus-Vice, Council Member Ben Kallos. “For the third straight year, I am biking to work at City Hall to support investments in our safe cycling and Vision Zero infrastructure that will improve everybody’s commute.”
“I bike to work as often as possible. Sure, I do this to reduce my carbon footprint, to stay active, and to lead by example, but it’s also fun,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca. “Look for the guy with the blue helmet going nice and slow. If you can’t cycle today, then try whenever you can. Wear a helmet and be safe! When I’m done riding, I’ll continue doing my part by promoting bicycle-friendly policies and laws so you can enjoy safe riding.”
“More New Yorkers than ever are turning to biking as their primary mode of transportation, and it’s easy to see why,” said Council Member Brad Lander. “It’s the healthiest, most environmentally sustainable, and most fun way to get around. We’ve made a lot of progress in the past decade to improve our city’s bike infrastructure, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do – especially when it comes to increasing awareness of biking resources throughout the city, investing in existing bike routes and planning new routes in all boroughs, and ensuring the best bike safety possible. I’m happy to see so many of my colleagues participating in bike to work day, and look forward to continuing our improvements to the biking experience in NYC.”
“Biking to work has many benefits — it’s good for our Earth, good for our bodies, and with more dedicated bike lanes than ever before, a safer and easier way to travel.” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “I thank my fellow Progressive Caucus members, community leaders and cyclist advocates for joining us in this effort to increase the use of alternate forms of transportation.”
“As a cyclist myself, I know the many benefits that can come from biking to work: it’s healthy, pleasant, and you can avoid overcrowded trains,” said City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “We have to make biking safe for all New Yorkers by investing in streets that are accessible to everyone, whether you’re driving a car, taking a bus, walking, or riding your bike. That’s why I’ve invested in livable streets throughout Western Queens that bikers, pedestrians, and drivers can all use safely.”
“From improving physical and mental health to reducing your carbon footprint, the benefits of commuting by bike are many, and I applaud those New Yorkers who choose this healthy, environmentally friendly way of getting to work and back,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “On this third annual Bike to Work Day — which is shaping up to be a cool, dry day weatherwise — I encourage my constituents to try biking to work for a day. Those who make this a lifelong habit not only save money on gas and healthcare expenses, but they help reduce air pollution, and feel better and more productive. ”
