Lyft, operator of Citi Bike, in partnership with its official wellness partner, Healthfirst, New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurer.
Announced today they will provide more than 1,200 free Citi Bike memberships to participants in the City’s Department of Youth and Community Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which will connect youth from the across the city with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences.
“Providing access to quality transportation is essential to improving a young person’s economic fortunes, and this summer, Citi Bike and Healthfirst have an opportunity to support young people as they explore new careers and develop workplace skills,” said Inbar Kishoni, Lyft Community and Equity Program Manager for Citi Bike. “Biking is not only a fun way to explore the city, but it’s also an important way to introduce young people to lifelong sustainable travel behavior.”
“As the official wellness partner of Citi Bike, Healthfirst is excited to be playing a role in this year’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) by making available free Citi Bike memberships for more than 1,200 participants for the duration of the program,” said Bill Abrams, VP, Brand and Marketing Communications, Healthfirst. “The SYEP is so important to help young people in New York City have meaningful and fulfilling activities during their time off from school that will keep them safe and provide potential job opportunities for the future. We wanted to ensure that the participants had an accessible and affordable transportation option to commute to their jobs. Plus, while they are developing career skills, they can also engage in a healthy activity.”
From July 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022, Healthfirst will sponsor more than 1,200 two-month Citi Bike memberships for 16-24 year-olds enrolled in this year’s SYEP program who live or work in the Citi Bike service area. All recipients will be required to attend a training to learn how to ride Citi Bikes to receive their free membership.
The city’s SYEP program, which is the largest in the country, runs for six weeks in July and August.
The program provides young people with on-site and virtual project-based and paid opportunities with over 65 employers to help them develop their professional, social, civic, and leadership skills.
The worksite experience cohorts will begin on July 5th and July 11th, 2022, offering employment opportunities for young people between the ages of 16-24.
Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 and is one of the largest transportation networks in the United States and Canada. As the world shifts to transportation-as-a-service, Lyft is at the forefront of this massive societal change.
Its transportation network includes the largest shared mobility network in the United States and brings together rideshare, bikes, scooters, car rentals, and transit all in one app.
Lyft is singularly driven by its mission: to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation.
Healthfirst
Healthfirst is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State, earning the trust of 1.7 million members by ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York’s leading hospital systems, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by partnering closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals.
For nearly 30 years, Healthfirst has worked with its network of hospital systems, community providers, and partners to improve health outcomes and advance health equity through better access to care—especially in underserved communities adversely impacted by disease, health disparities, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal health.
As the official wellness sponsor of Citi Bike, Healthfirst helps more than 1.7 million New Yorkers gain greater access to this healthy exercise option and discounted transportation alternative.
Healthfirst’s sponsorship provides Reduced Fare Bike Share to NYCHA residents and SNAP recipients with $5/month membership pricing.
Healthfirst also supports the Citi Bike Community Grant Program launched in 2019 to address health and transportation inequities by investing in increasing access to bikeshare in low-income neighborhoods and underrepresented communities where Citi Bike currently exists and future expansion communities throughout New York City.
Through these grants, each recipient organization can provide Citi Bike rides to workers, volunteers, and more so they can continue to help those in need.
For more information on Healthfirst, please visit healthfirst.org.
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