The 10,000 bike system will have 600 stations, and will cost $100 a year to join.  After that, bike usage for the first half hour is free.

Users will be able to check out bikes from any one of the 600 stations, and return them to any other.

Unexpectedly, the stations will range from the Upper West Side to Crown Heights, Brooklyn.  Previously, experts had assumed the system would only cover Manhattan.

It will launch in summer, 2012. [via Transportation Nation]

Here’s my process when I lock my bike on New York City streets.

1. Look for a well lit, medium trafficked spot.

I often find a pole or rack in front of an establishment that has traffic going in and out such as a cafe, deli, restaurant. It also helps if the place has glass windows or outdoor seating. It give the impression that someone could be inside watching their bike.

I say medium traffic here because with so many people running around in a high traffic area, your bike is more likely to get scuffed or damaged. It is also easier for thieves to steal your bike when it is so busy. If you have basket on your bicycle, you will surely become a victim of trash basket!

2. Find a sturdy pole or bike rack.

I’m on the fence about locking to street signs. Often times there is no other choice so if you must, look for a strong pole. I always shake any fixture to see if it’s securely placed in the ground. If you lock to a regular street sign, look at the top to see that the sign is large and still secured to the pole. If not, a thief could throw your bike over the sign or worse, snap the sign in half. Bike racks are always your best bet.

3. Use a proper, heavy duty lock.

A buddy of mine whose bike was stolen on the Upper East Side was using a hardware chain and lock. The links were too easy to break and off went her bike.

In NYC I recommend using no less than a 1/2 in thick u-lock like the Kryptonite Evolution. This is the bare minimum. At $39.98 it’s a bargin for protecting your bike.

If you really want to the best lock, I recommend the Kryptonite New York Standard u-lock (pictured) at $58.11. U-locks are my favorite because I find them easier to carry around than chains. But many of my friends swear by their chain locks – just be sure it’s also a heavy duty one.

 4. Use your lock right!

Always lock your frame and back wheel to your location if possible. Locking your bike through this triangle is the most secure.

If you have wheels, make sure they are not quick release! A thief can make off with these in minutes. You can remove your wheels and lock as pitcured if they are quick release. But for city riding and easy I recommend changing to bolted skeweres or locking your wheels. I have my wheels locked with Pinhead skewers and have had no problems in three years.

5. Take everything extra off your bike.

Remove all your lights, panniers and bags from your bike. If your seat isn’t locked and is nice, consider locking it down. Make sure it isn’t quick release! My seat is locked with an old chain covered in a tube. Your lock bike shop can do this for you for about $10. Bike seat locks are also available.

Hal explains locking better than I ever could. Check out this oldie but goodie from Streetsblog, “Hal Grades Your Bike Locking 3: The Final Warning!”

Anything tips you want to add? Please do so in the comments!

yes that is Napoleon on a bike

Hey #bikenyc and worldly readers! Hurricane Irene is forecasted to touch down here in New York City this weekend but I’m not so worried since my house has been deemed a “safe zone.” Hurricane party here on Sunday! For the rest of you huddled up in your houses, I hope you are safe. To make things a little fun this weekend we are giving away two of the following Headline Shirts bike tees.

It’s easy to enter. Just comment and leave your email address below saying, “hey Anita.” You can disguise it all brooklynbybike [at] gmail like if you are worried about bots. You have until the end of tomorrow Saturday, Aug 27 at 11:59pm EST. We’ll add you to our email list and notify you on hurricane day if you’ve won. One winner will be selected from the blog.

For those of you on Twitter, re-tweet this post and make sure you are following us @brooklynbybike and you’ll be entered to win as well. We just crossed 3,000 followers and couldn’t be more excited. One winner will be selected from Twitter.

Cheers and good luck!

Meet at Union Square south side (across from Whole Foods) at 7pm.

Dec 19th: Hosted by Times Up and joined by the DOB-C, a ride to check out the Christmas lights of  Dyker Heights.

Meet in Manhattan at 4:30 pm, across from the bicycle entrance to the Manhattan Bridge

Join us for a fun and leisurely ride to see the “miracle mile” of Christmas Lights and decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The spectacular displays draw 150,000 visitors a year who come from as far away as Japan. So come prepared with bicycle bells ringing to the tune of Jingle Bells. Approx. 25 miles round trip.

Made from solid wood (in this case, Walnut) and suspended by a solid steel square rod mount, this shelf can hold both your bike, as well as anything else you want on it quite easily. If you want to just showcase your bike, that’s fine, but if you want to utilize the space for books, flowers, bike accessories, etc., that’s what it’s there for. [$270-300 via Knife & Saw]

Looking for more attractive bike storage options? Check out this bike storage roundup from Design Sponge.

This year Papergirl will be exhibiting at the Dumbo Art Center from August 23-27, and then again at the Armory in Manhattan from August 28-29. The same art will then be shown at the Marketplace Gallery in Albany from September 3-6, and the art will be distributed in its home city the week thereafter.

Send submissions/get more info at PaperGirl.Albany@gmail.com and Papergirl NY.

Bike by Me is another step towards simplicity in the custom colored bike game. The brand launched earlier this month, with it’s home base in Sweden. Visit the Bike by Me site and see what you can come up with. [via Highsnobiety]

We know there is a whole slew more of these sites so feel free to post away in the comments.

movement in which people ride their tricked out bikes. Generally, the bikes have nice designs, such as duo-tone paint jobs, and rims or spinners. The term was coined by the rap group Trunk Boiz of Oakland, California. (thx Urban Dictionary!)

Can we get a Brooklyn chapter? Read more on NPR.

Metal parts are stamped out and heat-treated, flat pieces of leather are soaked and then formed in molds and the parts are all assembled by hand. After seeing how much work goes into a single bike seat, these famously expensive saddles start to look cheap. [via Doobybrain via Wired]

The winner:  Shut Your Mouth – Fake Money feat. G. Nasty

One of my favorites: Pedal Away From Global Decay

Ghostbikes put out a hauntingly beautifully short, which will hopefully be online soon. In mean time, check out some of the other shorts:

Gear Up – Bike Safety

Pirates of the Broadway: Salmon

and of course the Empire Begins Trailer