Interviews and photos by Cynthia Romero
Tony, dog walker
How often do you ride your bicycle?
I ride it everywhere. I’m always around town on it. It’s my only form of transportation.
So what’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen riding along the Hudson River bike path?
Ha, that was actually just now. I saw this tranny in a bikini and no top. He had a full chest and he was dancing around along the water.
What’s your favorite thing about riding a bike?
Well, especially with the hot weather, being here by the Hudson River is a really good way to cool off and be away from all the traffic at the same time.
Shannon, Chelsea
Tell me about your bike.
Well, it’s actually an old mountain bike I sort of commandeered from my little brother who lives in Connecticut and he wasn’t using it. It’s pretty intense and it has a lot of unnecessary gears, but it works, you know.
What changes, if any, would you make to the Hudson River bike path?
I would definitely have them put bike lanes right on the river, because we bike riders also want to be closer to the water as we ride.
Why do you like riding on the Hudson River bike path?
It’s like nowhere else in the city and the water is beautiful.
Craig, Chelsea
How often do you ride your bike?
I usually ride it for getting to work and I also use it for exercise and just to get out, you know, if I’ve got to meet friends and things like that.
Do you use the Hudson River bike path?
Yes. I like it because I don’t have to deal with the traffic and fighting with the cars, and the other people on there are pretty respectful, so it’s good.
How long have you been riding your bicycle?
I’ve been riding my bike for 22 years.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen while riding your bike?
There’s just way too many things to remember, but when you ride, you tend to see a lot of weird things.
Barbara, West Side
Tell me about your bike.
I’ve been with this bike for about seven years. We’ve gone miles and miles together and she keeps me healthy. She’s like my wings, she takes me everywhere.
How often do you ride your bike?
Because of an injury, I haven’t been able to ride it all season, and today is my first day back and I am just completely blown away and grateful that I healed and I’m just in heaven.
What do you think about the Hudson River bike path?
I love it. It’s just getting better and better each year. Each year, there are more and more people enjoying it.
What changes would you make to it?
I love it, don’t get me wrong. But I would really just get rid of the cars.
Rafael, Queens
Why do you ride on the Hudson River bike path?
I think it’s awesome. It’s great for bikers of all ages. You know, you can just come and escape the city for a while.
How often do you ride your bike?
I ride my bike every day. There isn’t one day I don’t ride it. I use it more than I use my car. I don’t take the train or the subway. It’s really my only form of transportation.
Tell me a little bit about your bike.
Well this is a new bike, I’ve only had it for about six months. It’s a single speed and I absolutely love it.
