NEW YORK — As New York City continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday a $1 million commitment from Citi and Mastercard to extend Citi Bike’s membership program to critical workers.
“The most effective interventions in the fight against COVID-19 are ones that help essential workers get us through this crisis, while laying the foundation for a fairer and better city in the future,” said de Blasio.
More than 5,500 first responders, transit and health care workers have already obtained a free month of Citi Bike membership.
The program will now include a full-year annual memberships and expand benefits to include workers at food-related non-profit organizations.
In an attempt to serve more critical workers, Citi Bike has extended its program, bringing more than 100 additional Citi Bike stations in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx beginning the week of May 4.
De Blasio also said Citi Bikes will be made available to workers near Columbia University Irving Medical Center in Washington Heights. The city has also coordinated donations of dozens of bikes to staff at Elmhurst Hospital and will add a Citi Bike station outside Harlem Hospital and Lincoln Hospital.
Those interested in signing up for the new program can email herobikes@lyft.com by May 31.
