Bicycling writers claim the Big Apple is the most “bike-friendly” city in the country — news that cab-and-bus-dodging New Yorkers called laughable.
New York City ranked No. 1 on Bicycle Magazine’s list of the 50 best cycling cities in the United States, editors announced on Wednesday.
“New York City is on the leading edge of how urban areas can use bicycles to improve the quality of life for everyone and to improve the city’s economy,” said Bill Strickland, editor of the Emmaus, Pa.-based magazine. But that’s just one way to, well, spin it, say New York City cyclists.
“It’s not number one. It’s very scary and dangerous . . . The stress level is high,” said East Village cyclist Ellie Covan.
On the list of best bike cities, Chicago was second, Minneapolis placed third and Portland, Ore., the former No. 1, slipped to No. 4.
The study is based on the percentage of bicycle commuters in the city, miles of bike lanes and how recently cycling infrastructure was installed.