BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — New Citi Bikes rolled into Bedford-Stuyvesant on Friday, with the company kicking off its expansion into the eastern part of the neighborhood.
At least six new stations were installed along Myrtle, Park, and Willoughby avenues, according to a website with station locations.
The bike-sharing docks follow additions in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Long Island City and Governor’s Island. New locations are also slated for the Upper East and West sides.
Citi Bike already serves the western section of Bed-Stuy, and this year’s expansion provides another 26 docks as far as Utica Avenue.
Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation partnered with the company to bring safety trainings, helmet fittings, and enrollment events to the community and will host free neighborhood group rides through the end of August.
The weekly meet-ups are meant to help people gain familiarity with the bikes and program, according to Tracey Capers, Restoration’s executive vice president for programs and organizational development.
Groups meet every Monday at 6 p.m. at Restoration’s West Plaza.
“The new additions are a good way for people to address health needs and get to know their communities,” Capers said.
“We’re trying to make sure the ridership is representative of the neighborhood makeup and trying to do specific outreach to communities of color, as well as those of low-income to encourage usage of the bike-share system.”
NYCHA residents and credit union members receive a discounted annual membership rate, Capers added.
Citi Bike is also offering a $25 discount on annual membership for new riders who sign up by the end of August. Standard pricing starts at $149 per year.
The remaining stations set for installment in Bed-Stuy can be expected in the coming weeks, according to a company spokesperson.
To track the new docks, visit the Citi Bike map here.
