Citibike

Citibike, launched in 2013 by NYC's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the motley crew of Social Bicycles, is New York’s love-hate symbol of eco-conscious urban commuting. The program, known for its bright blue bikes and bureaucratic frustrations, aimed to turn the city’s congested streets into a two-wheeled utopia. Defining moments include its initial rollout snafus with bikes disappearing faster than you can say "citizen tax dollars" and a 2019 sponsorship deal with Lyft, which managed to meld bike share with ride-hailing in a match made in corporate heaven. Currently valued at over $200 million, Citibike’s accolades include multiple “best public transport” awards and the dubious distinction of inspiring a flurry of bike-related traffic incidents. Controversies? You bet—there’s the perennial issue of bikes ending up in the Hudson and complaints about service reliability and maintenance. Leaders like Scott M. Stringer have tried to steer this ship through choppy waters while occasionally being accused of favoring corporate interests over the public’s pedal-powered needs. Despite its flaws and frequent rants from sweaty commuters, Citibike remains a hallmark of New York City’s increasingly bike-friendly vision, proving that even in a city where traffic jams are a way of life, there’s always room for more chaos on two wheels.