Citi Bike is expanding its low-cost memberships to offer a healthy, affordable and fun transportation option to low-income New Yorkers. The expansion was announced by representatives from the mayor's office, the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Health (DOHMH) and Healthfirst, NYC's largest not-for-profit health insurance plan, at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.
"This initiative will give 1.6 million New Yorkers who live in NYCHA housing and are recipients of SNAP the opportunity to exercise more and live happier and healthier lives," said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "This new program is about more than increasing transportation options; it is also about improving the health of all New Yorkers."
Previously only available to NYCHA residents, starting today, New Yorkers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be eligible. To apply for this discount, SNAP recipients can visit the Citi Bike website at citibikenyc.com and enter their EBT card number or NYCHA tenant ID. NYCHA residents already enrolled in the discount program do not need to reapply. The new memberships, available for $5 per month, do not require an annual commitment like traditional memberships that cost $169 a year for unlimited 45-minute rides.
"We are proud to support the expansion of Citi Bike among New Yorkers who can benefit most from affordable access to transportation," said George Hulse, Vice President of Community Engagement, Healthfirst. "This new partnership reaffirms our commitment to helping people live healthier lives -- one person — and now one Citi Bike rider — at a time."
The program first launched three years ago and is part of the New York City Better Bike Share Partnership, a collaboration between Citi Bike, the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, DOT and DOHM. The bike-share company is partnering with the city's Human Resources Administration (HRA) and other organizations to inform residents of the new program. Outreach events will be held at SNAP enrollment centers, greenmarkets, NYCHA developments and community centers.
"The goal is not just to reach our destination of employment or recreation; it's to reach a destination of health," said Borough President Adams. "Too many people of color and low-income residents walk past healthy alternatives because they think it's not for them; making Citi Bike affordable for our city's SNAP recipients is a true game changer."
