Sheldon Silver donned a silver helmet, mounted a silver bicycle and took off across Pier 17.
The grinning state Assembly speaker, wearing his uniform dark suit with a metal pants clip, pedaled in a wide circle before returning to the waiting crowd of press and local officials June 13.
That concluded the first ride on the first day of free bike rentals at South Street Seaport, funded by a $100,000 grant from Silver’s office.
“This is a great way to explore our Lower Manhattan community free of charge,” Silver said. “It’s recreational, it can be educational and it’s certainly great for your health.”
Tourists and residents alike can pick up the free bikes seven days a week by registering with the Downtown Alliance in advance. Thirty bikes are available for each several-hour session, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bike and Roll, the company providing the bikes, does rentals at Pier 17 in the Seaport and Pier 89, on Governors Island and soon in Battery Park. Cyclists can start at Pier 17 and ride to one of the other locations, dropping off their bikes while they explore the neighborhood.
Silver expects the $100,000 he put into the program to come back to the state, because the cyclists will visit local museums, shops and restaurants.
As Silver dismounted the bike — a beach cruiser with no gears — he said it felt great to go for a ride.
“I had no mishaps,” he said, looking a shade relieved.
To sign up for the free bikes, visit downtownny.com/bikearound.
— Julie Shapiro
