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New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and Lyft have announced a major expansion of Citi Bike, aiming to meet rising demand and enhance access across the city. By the fall of 2025, Citi Bike will reach new neighborhoods and add thousands of bikes and docking stations, improving the city’s sustainable transportation network.
Expansion to Reach More Neighborhoods
The upcoming expansion will bring Citi Bike service to:
- The Bronx: Norwood and Riverdale
- Brooklyn: Brownsville, East New York, Kensington, and Bay Ridge
- Queens: Areas west of Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Additionally, Citi Bike will increase the number of docks in heavily trafficked areas, including Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, Harlem and East Harlem, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Park Slope.
“This Citi Bike expansion is the latest way we’re making it easier and more affordable to get around New York City, particularly for low-income New Yorkers,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “People in Brownsville and other low-income neighborhoods deserve Citi Bike access as much as any other New Yorker.”
Building a More Connected City
Photo Credit NYC DOT
The expansion includes over 250 new stations and 2,900 new bikes, half of which will be electric. This will extend service to 900,000 more New Yorkers, ensuring that 64 percent of the city’s residential population has a Citi Bike station within a five-minute walk. When combined with the city’s e-scooter share program, over 75 percent of residents will have access to micromobility options.
“Citi Bike is more popular than ever because it’s convenient, sustainable, and a quick way to get around,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This expansion will bring this great service to even more communities.”
Caroline Samponaro, vice president of external affairs at Lyft Urban Solutions, highlighted Citi Bike’s success, stating, “It’s been astounding to see Citi Bike grow… now supporting over 1.6 million unique riders on their 44 million journeys this year.”
Transforming Transit Through Innovation
Since its 2013 launch, Citi Bike has evolved into the largest bike-share program outside of China, growing from 6,000 bikes to a projected 36,000. The system has set records, including over 5.1 million rides in October 2024, and 193,645 rides on a single day, September 20, 2024.
The expansion will pilot “kioskless” stations, enabling flexible placement of docking equipment. This innovation aligns with broader city efforts to modernize transportation, including record investments in bike lanes, electric vehicles, and ferry access.
Voices of Support
Elected officials and community leaders applauded the expansion:
- Senator Michael Gianaris: “CitiBike is a valuable resource, and I look forward to its continued growth.”
- Senator Andrew Gounardes: “Expanding Citi Bike to neighborhoods like Bay Ridge is a win for our environment, our economy, and our communities.”
- Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar: “Once the expansion is complete, 64 percent of New Yorkers will be within five minutes of a Citi Bike station, bringing unprecedented access to this efficient, sustainable transportation solution.”
- Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.: “Citi Bike has been successful in reducing auto congestion… I strongly support this latest effort to make Queens more bike-friendly.”
Advancing Affordability and Sustainability
The expansion complements Mayor Adams’ transportation initiatives, including:
- Fair Fares NYC: Offering half-priced MetroCards to low-income residents
- Green Fleet Updates: Adding electric vehicles and charging ports to the city’s fleet
- Historic Greenway Expansions: Building protected bike infrastructure in the outer boroughs
“This is about giving New Yorkers more ways to quickly and safely get where they need to go,” said Senator Gounardes.
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A terrific idea , it’s social engineering at its best . The
Program does mimic a European paradigm that’s practical, affordable and sustainable reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier environment. Let’s get it done!
Good Morning in our New York City. I absolutely love the idea of Citibike expanding to Brownsville/East New York but what burns me up is the PROFUSE DESTRUCTION of these bikes I see in these neighborhoods OF THESE BIKES. MAYOR SIR, there has to be a system in low income neighborhoods that first, aims at protecting these bikes. I see citibikes laying around these neighborhoods all torn up EVERYDAY. What good is that to Seniors and GOOD PEOPLE That appreciate them and could use them often. I know they need to be housed indoors with strict information about who is using them so that those who destroy can be held accountable. It takes I’m sure a few million to maintain this program in New York City. Why must there be so much waste of an EXCELLENT THING. ACCOUNTABILITY also must be a strong part of lending out these bikes. It breaks my heart to see such waste and how that affects other GOOD CITIZENS and the waste that could be used to continually upgrade the program as needed. Estatic to hear of the Expansion not happy about INCREASED WASTE.