As Brooklyn's biggest Black cycling clubs celebrate Juneteenth, they reflect on the joy of community rides. However, members face challenges due to a lack of secure bike parking, impacting their ability to ride regularly. With diverse backgrounds, they express concerns about bike theft and accessibility, particularly in neighborhoods with limited space for bikes. The rising cost of bikes compounds the issue, discouraging rides to work or school. Despite their love for cycling, the infrastructure in New York poses challenges that prevent consistent use of bikes in daily routines.
"The vibes are incandescent. Our members come from all walks of the community - we have artists, young professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes, retirees - but the question we get is often the same: 'Do you know a good place to park a bike?'"
"Black New York loves to bike, but New York doesn't love Black people on bikes. We live in neighborhoods... where apartments are small, stairs are steep, and doors are narrow."
"These days a nice bike for everyday riders can cost thousands of dollars; and that's money that most of our members, and most New Yorkers perid, just can't afford to lose."
"We're not alone. Nationally, half of all Black people say that secure bike parking will allow us to ride more often."
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