Bixi rolls into New York, but … not for the plump

Cinzia Cuneo 10 maggio, 2013 salute, attività fisica

So it’s really true, the New York “Bixi” has finally been launched after two years of delay. With around 330 docking stations and 600 bikes that will cover half of Manhattan and a part of Brooklyn, the Citi Bike will be the largest bike sharing system in North America.

The launch was delayed several times, first due to computer problems, then due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy, but now the service is ready to kick off. For $95 a year (25 cents per day), you’ll be entitled to an unlimited number of trips lasting 45 minutes or less.

To maintain the equipment in good condition, this service will not be available to users weighing more than 260 pounds (about 117 kg). This news triggered a huge controversy in a city where the obesity rate is higher than 20%. Representatives of the city’s Transport Department have been quick to give assurance that this rule will not be applied too strictly.

So the next time you visit the Big Apple as a tourist, you can also avail of this service at a cost of $9.95/day. Don’t forget to bring along your helmet!

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.