Citi Bike announced the program is expanding to new neighborhoods by next fall. Parts of Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Brownsville, East New York and Kensington, Queens — west of Flushing Meadows Corona Park — and the Bronx — further north to Riverdale and Norwood — will see fleets installed.

Citi Bike, under its parent company Lyft, is gaining in popularity. The system set a monthly record in October 2024 with more than 5.1-million rides, that’s up 143% compared to October 2019, according to the latest Citi Bike data.

After the expansion, more than half of New Yorkers — around 64% — will have access to a Citi Bike within a five-minute walking distance, according to city officials. Some Bay Ridge residents say it’s an affordable, sustainable and sometimes quicker way of getting around.

“I think it is a great way to get people out of their cars, and it’s just eco-friendly,” Heather Davidson said.

“It’s good for the environment, it’s less carbon dioxide and pollution from the cars. At the same time, the city has been promoting and building streets and everything to accommodate the bikes so that people ride bikes more,” Dwayne Rondon said.

However, not every New Yorker is in favor of the expansion.

“Parking is hard, bikes is not good, no,” Vinny Depasquale, also of Bay Ridge, said. “It’s the bikes that just fly in front of the cars. They don’t stop, they take advantage.”

“They should put the parking on the sidewalk because parking is hard enough for us motorists,” Jerry Coffin said.