Spring is here, the weather is warming up, and more New Yorkers are reaching for two wheels instead of a MetroCard. Whether you’re a daily Citi Bike commuter or a weekend greenway cruiser, this week brings some practical updates worth knowing about — from a new safety feature rolling out on e-bikes to upcoming events and the latest on where you can legally ride.
Citi Bike’s New Phone Mount Pilot: Hands on Handlebars, Eyes on the Road
Citi Bike is piloting built-in cellphone mounts on roughly 10 percent of its electric bikes. The rubber attachment lets riders secure their phone to the handlebars so they can follow navigation or find a nearby dock without holding the device in one hand.
This has been one of the most-requested features from Citi Bike riders for years. Lyft, which operates the system, is calling it a “genuine safety improvement” — and it’s hard to argue. Anyone who’s tried to glance at Google Maps while dodging a delivery truck on Second Avenue knows the struggle. The pilot is currently limited to e-bikes, and Lyft says they’re evaluating performance before deciding on a wider rollout.
How to find one: Look for the rubber mount bracket near the handlebars when you unlock an e-bike. Not every e-bike has one yet, so if you specifically want the mount, you may need to check a few bikes at the dock.
Citi Bike Pricing: What Changed This Spring
If your annual Citi Bike renewal felt a little pricier this month, you’re not imagining it. Citi Bike adjusted its membership pricing for 2026, a topic that’s been getting attention across local media. While the system remains one of the most affordable ways to get around — especially compared to daily subway fares for short trips — riders should review their membership tier to make sure they’re on the right plan for how they actually use the bikes.
If cost is a concern, remember that reduced-fare memberships are available for SNAP recipients, NYCHA residents, and others who qualify. Details are available through the Citi Bike app or at citibikenyc.com.
E-Bike Rules: Where You Can (and Can’t) Ride in 2026
With more electric bikes and e-scooters on the streets than ever, here’s a quick refresher on where they’re allowed in New York City:
- Bike lanes and vehicle lanes on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or less — yes
- Park drives and greenways — yes, under the current NYC Parks pilot program (running through December 31, 2026). NYC Parks is expected to propose rule amendments to make this permanent
- Speed limit: All e-bikes are limited to 15 mph on city streets regardless of class
- Required equipment: White front light and red/amber rear light at night, bell, brakes, and reflectors. E-bikes must also have a manufacturer’s label showing class, max speed, and motor wattage
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes are all legal in NYC. The key thing to remember: the greenway pilot is temporary through the end of 2026, so enjoy park drive access while the rules are rider-friendly. For more detail on the current rules, check our recent overview of bike and micromobility changes for 2026.
Car-Free Earth Day Returns April 25 — All Five Boroughs
Mark your calendar: NYC’s expanded Car-Free Earth Day returns on Friday, April 25, with events and street closures across all five boroughs. This is one of the best riding days of the year — major streets get shut down to cars, and the city becomes a playground for bikes, pedestrians, and anyone who wants to experience New York without the honking. Routes and details are expected soon from NYC DOT.
Greenway Expansion: Over 100 Projects on the Map
NYC’s greenway network currently spans over 500 miles, and the city has mapped out more than 100 proposed or in-progress greenway capital projects as part of a comprehensive expansion plan. The 2026 edition of the Streets Master Plan is expected to include targets for completing a fully connected bike lane network — a long-standing goal that would make it possible to ride protected lanes from neighborhood to neighborhood without mixing with car traffic.
That’s still a work in progress, but every new mile of protected lane makes the network more useful and safer for everyone.
Delivery Worker Safety Training Now Mandatory
NYC DOT has launched mandatory safety training for delivery workers and is holding delivery app companies accountable for safety standards. This is a significant step for the thousands of e-bike delivery riders who share lanes with commuter cyclists every day. Better training and accountability should mean fewer close calls for everyone on two wheels.
Commuter Tip
With subway disruptions hitting the 2/3, J, and A lines this week, now is a perfect time to try a bike commute. If your trip is under three miles, Citi Bike is often faster door-to-door than the subway — especially when service changes add transfer time. Use the Citi Bike app to find e-bikes with the new phone mount, lock in your route before you start, and take advantage of the spring weather. Just remember: helmets aren’t required for adults in NYC, but they’re always a good idea.
Information sourced from Citi Bike/Lyft announcements, NYC DOT, NYC Parks, and Streetsblog NYC.
