Big Apple, Big Charge

In this episode – Big Apple, Big Charge . . .

Welcome back to On the Fly, your weekly dose of quirky observations and unexpected trends. Today, we're fresh off a trip to the Scaffolding/Plywood jungle, where we witnessed a phenomenon that will make you rethink your relationship with the humble wall socket. That's right, we're talking about New York City, and it's . . . wait for ­­it —Free, ubiquitous electric outlets!

New York constantly buzzes with traffic, jackhammers, honking horns, and helicopters. But what struck me most was the sheer volume of people glued to their devices while commuting and navigating the streets with hundreds of construction obstacles. It's like everyone's “plugged into” some invisible grid—phones, tablets, watches, headphones, earbuds, e-bikes—you name it. And that's where things get interesting. But, unlike our quiet suburban life, free outlets in NYC aren't exactly abundant.

So, how do these New Yorkers keep their gadgets juiced? That's the million-dollar question, folks. Everywhere you turn in the Big Apple, there is a place to plug in if you’re diligent. Airports and coffee shops have rows of outlets lining the counters. Bus stops, and Parks have charging stations tucked away under the benches. Even some subway platforms boast sleek charging pods. And you can be sure that New Yorkers are taking full advantage of these. We saw people from all walks of life - from suited-up business executives to street performers in Central Park, even families keeping their kids entertained with iPads - all with their devices plugged into a power source.

While transferring trains on the subway, I noticed several people watching TV programs on their phones. It’s as if the city is an extension of their personal charging ecosystem.

But it's not just phones and laptops. The real shocker? Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are popping up everywhere! Forget searching for a gas station – New Yorkers are juicing up their rides while grabbing a bagel, catching a show, or getting to the Free two-hour station early so as not to miss their daily charge. Some may argue that a robust charging infrastructure attracts EV owners, increasing green energy usage and reducing traffic pollution. There’s a social side to this, too. Free outlets and WiFi locations become a meeting point, a place to connect (literally) with others. We saw groups of students huddled around tables, laptops open, sharing ideas and laughter, all fueled by the city's invisible power grid.

Yet another development: In late 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced plans to expand protected bike lanes throughout the city. This includes creating physically separated lanes using orange bollards or curbs to provide cyclists with a safer ride space.

Be careful when crossing these lanes, as delivery people riding e-bikes tend to move quickly.

The focus isn't just on Manhattan—areas in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are also seeing improvements, with bridges and high-traffic corridors getting priority. According to the DOT, the goal is to create a safer and more connected bike network across the city. It's worth noting that as of now (April 2024), some of these plans are still under development, but the city is actively working on implementing them.

A large-scale public electric bike rental program in NYC has yet to launch. However, the existing Citi Bike program, which uses traditional pedal bikes, is extremely popular and continues to expand its reach across the city.

There are discussions about incorporating electric bikes into Citi Bike in the future, but several private e-bike rental companies operate in the city now. Overall, New York City is moving toward providing more options for cyclists, focusing on safety and accessibility. Expanding protected bike lanes is a major step, and while public electric bike rentals aren't there yet, they might be a possibility in the future.

It was fascinating to catch a glimpse of a future where our reliance on technology is smoothly integrated into our surroundings. Will this become the norm in other cities? Will we witness a day when searching for an outlet is as outdated as hunting for a payphone? Only time can answer these questions, but one thing is certain—New York City demonstrates that the future might be much more electrifying and connected than we ever imagined.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.