4 Questions with Karyn Williams from Velo City

1. Why did you start Velo City?

I started Velo City about 2.5 years ago with my two friends Samelys Lopez and Naomi Doerner.  We wanted to share our passion for cycling and urban planning with young people because we wish we could have been exposed to urban planning as a career option at an earlier age.  The goal of our organization is to provide opportunities for young people to explore the city on bicycles and to provide career training and leadership opportunities for students in the planning and design world. I don’t expect that every student that gets on a bike and rides with us will then go on to be an architect or an urban planner, but I do expect that every student that participates in our programs will go on to be a more active citizen.

2. Where is your favorite destination for a bicycle ride?

I have many favorite destinations but, in Brooklyn my favorite bike ride is along the Brooklyn Green-way down to Red Hook.  My other favorite bike ride is in Manhattan along the Hudson River Park Green-way. 

3. Early bird or night owl?

Early Bird but I do love a late night bike ride in the summer. 

4. How can NYC be more bike friendly?

 I think that the Bike Share Program is certainly a step in the right direction but more biking infrastructure like protected bike lanes and green-ways would great improve conditions in the city. I also feel strongly that there needs to be greater awareness on the part of motorists and cyclist on the rules of the road and how to share the road.