New York City Bike-Share Program Prohibits Obese Riders
May 3, 2013The public health benefits of increased bicycling are substanial.-NYC.GOV
Unlock. Ride. Return.
That’s the concept behind Citi Bike... a New York bike-sharing system recently introduced as an additional transportation option for getting around the city. The program is designed to help lessen traffic congestion and promote fitness and health amongst New Yorkers and tourist. But under the guidelines and restrictions of the system, you can’t unlock, ride, and return if you weigh 260 pounds or more.
Tell your couch you'll be seeing a lot less of each other. -Citi Bike website.
Apparently if you are obese (or exceptionally tall) you are out of luck in including Citi Bike in your efforts to ride for fitness not to mention for economical and environmental reasons. So much for "telling your couch you'll be seeing a lot less of each other." At least when it comes to participating in this latest New York City bike-share endeavor.
The imposed weight regulations have been met with some backlash with some finding the rule hypocritical coming from the very city that has Mayor Michael Bloomberg pushing for other rules and regulations, including soda size limitations, in the fight against obesity.
According to the policy director for the New York transportation department, Jon Orcutt, the weight limit won’t be strictly enforced. In other words, there won’t be a scale to step on before you rent the bikes and you won’t be pulled over for being too fat to ride. Instead, those who sign up for the program must agree to a contract which states the weight limitation of 260 pounds.
"I think people will be self-selecting, practical and safe." says Orcutt.
Bike-share systems are currently in over 200 cities, including Boston, Washington, Denver, Minneapolis, London, Paris, and Barcelona.
Riders who are with in the weight guidelines can participate in the program by paying an annual membership of $95, a weekly membership of $25, or a daily fee of $9.95. The Citi Bikes are located through out the city at various kiosks where you can unlock, ride for the time agreed upon, and return it to a kiosk near your destination. That is if you weigh 260 pounds or less.
-What do you think about the imposed bike-share weight restrictions?
Photo Credit: drpavloff