16 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2019
POINT OF VIEW
BIKE SHARING
SUFFOLK’S NEW RIDE
By STEVE BELLONE
Suffolk County Executive
Bike share is coming to a town near
you.
Suffolk County is launching the firstof
its-kind program, with 100 bicycles
and 24 stations throughout four communities,
including Patchogue and
Babylon, thanks to the sponsorship
of Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
The program will not only reduce
congestion and improve air quality,
but it will help solve the critical
problem of that last-mile connection
when using public transit, allowing
residents and visitors to easily access
our parks, waterfronts, and other
recreational assets.
Residents will be able to go to a nearby
train station, park, or downtown and
right through an app on their phone
have instant access to a comfortable,
user-friendly bike.
This will change the mobility landscape
in Suffolk, effectively extending
the reach of our existing transit
system, putting once out-of-reach
locations within easy biking distance.
For years, the equation for Long Island
life has been one adult equals one
car. The freedom to go anywhere with
an automobile has turned into the
tyranny of not being to go anywhere
without one. But now, residents and
visitors will be able to comfortably
leave their cars behind with the
knowledge that a healthy, fun, convenient
option is waiting for them.
Users will have the ability to download
an app and will either be able to pay per
ride or buy a membership. Riders can
pay $1 per 15 minutes, but can also opt
for a monthly plan for $10 or a yearly
plan for $60 per year. Both plans allow
for unlimited trips of up to 30 minutes.
Most importantly, bike sharing will
improve traffic safety. Bike share
programs raise awareness of cyclists
on the road, which ultimately leads
to improved safety. And once our
Hike-Bike Master Plan is complete,
we will have a countywide network
of both on- and off-road bike paths so
that cyclists and pedestrians will be
safe when out and about.
Suffolk will continue to be a leader in
embracing cutting-edge transportation
alternatives and technologies that
better connect residents to our vibrant
downtowns. We are focused on modernizing
our transit and ensuring our
residents have efficient and reliable
alternative transportation options.
“Residents and visitors will be able to comfortably
leave their cars behind with the knowledge that a
healthy, fun, convenient option is waiting for them.”
TAKE ON EVERYTHING
LONG ISLAND
HAS TO OFFER TODAY
Today is yours for the taking. And AARP is here in our
community, helping you make the most of it. Whether
you’re a family caregiver looking for some support or
have ideas to help improve your neighborhood, we’re
here to connect you to the tools you need.
So go make today and every day the best it can be,
Long Island. /aarplongisland @aarplongisland
Learn how at aarp.org/longisland
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