NYC Bike Hack Hits Home

A Brooklyn-based artist has created a device that makes it harder to pedal a CitiBike in rent-burdened areas of New York City. Justin Blinder's 'Ground Truth' device attaches to any CitiBike and adjusts pedal resistance based on the surrounding neighborhood's rent burden.

The device is 3D printed and has a custom map that determines the level of pedal resistance. In areas where renters give more of their paychecks to landlords, such as many parts of the Bronx, the device applies the brakes, making it harder to pedal. On the other hand, riders can glide through parts of the city where renters give less of their paychecks to landlords.

Blinder, a software developer, was inspired to create the device after experiencing the city's affordability crisis firsthand while working as an Uber Eats delivery person in 2020. He wanted to create a physical representation of the abstract concept of affordability, which is often discussed through top-down maps.

The device is meant to physically tie riders to high rent prices in the city, making them more aware of the affordability crisis. By adjusting pedal resistance, the device provides a tangible experience of the financial burden faced by renters in different neighborhoods.

## Why it matters The affordability crisis in NYC is a pressing issue, with many residents struggling to pay rent. The device highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the crisis and its impact on different communities. By making the experience of affordability more tangible, Blinder's device aims to raise awareness and spark conversations about the issue.

The device also underscores the importance of considering the lived experience of affordability, rather than just looking at abstract maps and data. By providing a physical representation of the crisis, Blinder's device encourages riders to think more critically about the issue and its impact on their community.