You, a Citi Bike, and the Neverending Quest for a Docking Station: A Cautionary Tale
Ah, Citi Bike. The glorious chariot of two wheels that whisks you through the concrete jungle like a...well, a slightly less glamorous knight on a slightly less majestic steed. But hey, it gets you there (usually) without the drama of rush hour traffic or the questionable hygiene of the subway (no shade, MTA, we all love you...from a distance).
But there's a universal truth that plagues every Citi Bike rider: the eternal hunt for a docking station. You pedal valiantly through the city, wind in your hair (or helmet, for the safety-conscious among us), only to be met with rows and rows of empty docks, taunting you with their lack of available bikes. Or worse, you triumphantly return with your trusty steed, ready to join the pack, only to find every single dock occupied! It's enough to make you want to scream, throw your helmet on the ground (don't do that, they're expensive!), and declare war on all unsuspecting pedestrians (again, don't do that, that's frowned upon).
So, the burning question remains: how many Citi Bike stations are there in NYC, anyway?
According to the official Citi Bike website (which you probably haven't checked because you're too busy frantically refreshing the app), there are a whopping over 1,700 stations scattered across the five boroughs (and let's not forget our friends in Hoboken and Jersey City). That's a lot of stations, folks! Enough to make your head spin, almost as much as it spins from weaving through yellow cabs.
But here's the thing: have you ever actually seen all 1,700? Because let's be honest, it feels like there are about 12, strategically placed just out of reach whenever you need one. Maybe they're hiding behind buildings? Maybe they migrate with the seasons like geese? The world may never know.
Tips for the Disgruntled Citi Biker:
- Become one with the app. It's your lifeline, your compass, your therapist in times of docking station despair. Learn its ways, master its secrets.
- Develop the sixth sense of the Citi Biker. Can you feel the faint hum of an available dock in the distance? Does a sudden drop in air pressure signal a herd of Citi Bikes returning to their nest? Embrace your inner superhero.
- Consider a backup plan. Maybe pack some rollerblades in your backpack? A well-placed skateboard could come in handy? Just remember, safety first, friends!
In Conclusion:
Citi Bike, a love-hate relationship for the ages. But hey, at least it gets you moving (except when you're stuck searching for a dock). So, saddle up, fellow adventurers, and may the odds of finding an available station ever be in your favor!
