New York City, in collaboration with Lyft, has launched the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program to support frontline workers during challenging times. This initiative provides free Citi Bike Memberships to first responders, healthcare professionals, and transit employees, ensuring they have a safe and reliable transportation option.
Recognizing the increased demand for bike share services near hospitals, the de Blasio administration and Lyft have joined forces to offer a free 30-day Citi Bike membership. This program is designed to assist essential workers in their commutes, providing a convenient and socially distant mode of transport.
Mayor Bill de Blasio stated, “Our frontline workers are making immense sacrifices to serve New Yorkers. We appreciate Lyft’s support in combating the pandemic by offering these essential employees a free and safe way to get to work.”
DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg added, “Citi Bikes are proving vital near hospitals. Lyft’s generous program will greatly assist first responders in reaching their destinations. We encourage MTA, NYPD, FDNY, and hospital staff to take advantage of this fast, convenient, and safe transportation method. Citi Bikes offer a way to maintain social distance, and cleaning frequency has been increased for rider safety.”
Caroline Samponaro, Head of Micromobility Policy at Lyft, emphasized Lyft’s commitment to accessible transportation: “The Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program, part of our broader LyftUp initiative, provides free 30-day Citi Bike memberships to New York City’s COVID-19 frontline heroes. We thank the de Blasio administration for their partnership in keeping bike share available for essential journeys during this critical period.”
Program Details for Critical Workforce Members:
- Eligible individuals, including healthcare providers, transit workers, and first responders (NYPD, FDNY, EMS), can register for a complimentary 30-day Citi Bike membership through their employers.
- Lyft is actively coordinating with the de Blasio administration to facilitate enrollment for public sector employees within these categories.
- Healthcare employers can request enrollment details for their staff by emailing [email protected].
- Enrollment is entirely free for hospitals, transit agencies, and first responder organizations.
- Those in eligible sectors who recently purchased a membership or are facing upcoming renewals can also benefit from a free month.
- The membership includes unlimited 45-minute rides on classic Citi Bikes for a year and unlimited 45-minute ebike trips until June 30th.
- The free membership will not automatically convert into a paid annual membership.
- Lyft and city partners will reassess program needs and future support after the initial period.
Enhanced Bike Cleaning Measures:
To ensure rider safety, Citi Bike has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols:
- Valet Service: Citi Bike is prioritizing valet services at key stations near hospitals that have seen high usage during the COVID-19 crisis. Valet staff will be present at these locations for extended hours, sanitizing bikes as they are returned to docks. Valets will adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Valet service locations include stations at:
- W 34th Street & 11th Ave: Javits Center
- 1st Ave & 68th Street: Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- 1st Ave & 16th Street: Mount Sinai Beth Israel
- 1st Ave & 27th Street: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
- 1st Ave & 30th Street: NYU Langone Health
- 10th Ave & 59th Street: Mount Sinai West
- Targeted Station Cleaning: Citi Bike is expanding cleaning operations to additional stations near hospitals as the Critical Workforce Membership Program expands.
- Field Mechanic Disinfection: Citi Bike field mechanics will now clean every bike at each station they service daily. Bikes are also disinfected each time they are processed at depots, by valets, or during field repairs.
This Citi Bike membership initiative and enhanced cleaning efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting New York City’s essential workers and ensuring access to safe transportation during critical times.
