NYC launches bike share program, largest in nation

 

Associated Press/Frank Franklin II - Tourists sit on bikes that are available as part of a bike share program Monday, May 27, 2013, in New York. The privately funded Citi Bike bike-share program will launch with 6,000 bikes at 330 docking stations in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Officials hope to expand to 10,000 bikes and 600 docking stations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 

 By Associated Press.

NEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Michael Bloomberg calls a long-awaited bicycle-sharing program a "big win" for New York City residents and tourists.

The privately funded Citi Bike program was launched Monday. It now offers 6,000 bikes at 330 docking stations in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, with plans to expand.

Suraf Asgedom (SOOR'-ahf AZ'-geh-dahm) used one of the royal-blue bikes to go grocery shopping Monday morning.

He likes the convenience. He doesn't own a bike because it's a hassle to carry it downstairs, lock it up and worry about it.

More than 9,000 people have signed up. An annual membership costs $95.

Anyone can ride starting June 2 for $9.95 a day.

One woman just helped herself. Police say the thief struck Sunday night as workers unloaded bikes at 25th Street and Second Avenue.