Pains of an imminent NYC transit fare hike and a recent article in the New York Times on bike theft/vandalism defeatism inspired me to validate the overwhelming perceived economic benefits of commuting by bike versus transit, despite the occasional theft. If frugal is the next big thing and green is the new black, then hop on a crappy old bike if you want to be hip.
Pains of an imminent NYC transit fare hike and a recent article in the New York Times on bike theft/vandalism defeatism inspired me to validate the overwhelming perceived economic benefits of commuting by bike versus transit, despite the occasional theft. If frugal is the next big thing and green is the new black, then hop on a crappy old bike if you want to be hip. In the chart below, I compare the costs of commuting by transit assuming the regular purchase of a 30-day unlimited metro pass ($81 in NYC as of April 2009, but not for much longer) to commuting by beater-bike assuming the occasional theft. I checked the beloved craigslist for used bicycles and determined that one can find an acceptable replacement for $150 on average (lower if you've got the knack). I would say that used bikes in NYC are a bit pricey, but if you buy through a local community bike program (or start your own!) such as HoBiken in my hometown of Hoboken, NJ, you can smash this analysis. Anyway, if you think you can manage to keep your losses to less than 5 bikes per year, surrender your metrocard and start riding:
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California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
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