Celebrating Second Chances: Partnering with Bike New York on Mechanic Education

Last week in Brooklyn, 20 New Yorkers walked across a stage and received more than just a diploma. They stepped into a career that helps keep 1.6 million Citi Bike® riders moving across New York City every year. 

These 20 graduates were part of Bike New York’s Bike Path program. As the operator of the Citi Bike program, Lyft Urban Solution is proud to partner on this transformative workforce development initiative, which creates meaningful career opportunities to keep Citi Bike’s fleet of over 35,000 bikes in peak condition.

Building Careers, Strengthening Communities

The Bike Path program represents everything Lyft Urban Solutions believes in: connecting people with opportunities to improve their lives while strengthening the communities we serve. 

For individuals with criminal justice backgrounds, finding stable employment can be challenging – but the Bike Path program changes that equation. Bike Path is a three-week intensive training program that prepares previously incarcerated individuals to become certified bike mechanics, equipping them with valuable technical skills and opening doors to stable, well-paying careers. Program participants learn about the different components that make up a bike, how to diagnose and triage issues, and how to use various tools to repair a bike. Throughout the program, participants complete training exercises on Citi Bike pedal bikes and ebikes. From diagnosing why a bike won’t brake properly to assessing an ebike’s pedal assist, Bike Path trainees learn to become the problem solvers who ensure every ride starts and ends safely.   

Upon completing the program, every graduate receives a guaranteed job interview with Motivate, Lyft Urban Solution’s field operations subcontractor for the Citi Bike program. Those who join the team benefit from a competitive starting wage of $26.75 per hour. Last year, the program saw an extraordinary 98% job placement rate. 

And just as extraordinary are the human stories behind those statistics. Each graduate represents a second chance and a vital contribution to keeping New York City moving. Many graduates have advanced to lead roles, with some now training mechanics themselves.

“I’ve been in prison since I was 16 years old,” said Lovelle Jones, one of the graduating Bike Path participants, now 34. “I was just released, and this is going to be my first job ever.”

Meeting Growing Demand

Graduates of the Bike Path program enter a promising job market. As biking continues to grow in popularity, so does the demand for skilled bike mechanics. The Citi Bike program has experienced unprecedented growth, with ridership jumping more than 60% in the last three years to reach 45 million rides in 2024. This ridership surge means more inspections, repairs, and quality checks for trained professionals to complete.

The expansion of Citi Bike’s ebike fleet has further increased demand for qualified mechanics. Citi Bike ebike rides have skyrocketed in recent years, reaching nearly 30 million rides in 2024, more than 200% growth from just a few years ago. With approximately 15,000 e-bikes now in Citi Bike’s fleet, these vehicles require specialized knowledge and skills to address repairs related to components like motors and wiring. 

"Lyft Urban Solutions is incredibly proud to partner with Bike New York on the Bike Path program," said Patrick Knoth, Citi Bike General Manager. "The program provides meaningful career opportunities for Bike Path graduates while ensuring we have trusted mechanics to keep the Citi Bike program’s fleet of 35,000 bikes in top condition. By maintaining the fleet, these mechanics directly enable access to education and job opportunities for millions of New Yorkers."

A Partnership That Works

Since the program's inception in 2019, Motivate has hired more than 150 Bike Path graduates, with many being promoted and retained season after season. This track record speaks to both the quality of the training and the dedication of the graduates who join the team.

“The Bike Path Program doesn’t treat you like the mistakes you made,” said Zarravon Quarry, a Bike Path alum and current Motivate employee. “They treat you like the person you are today. And that’s what everyone really needs. Second chances are important. Just because you mess up doesn’t mean you can’t get it right again.” 

Research consistently shows that stable employment post-release is directly linked to reduced recidivism rates. Formerly incarcerated individuals are nearly 40% less likely to reoffend if they secure stable employment after release. The Bike Path program doesn't just provide jobs—it offers participants a stable income, transferable skills, meaningful routine, and a supportive work environment where they can build long-term careers.

“I feel good at the job,” said Stacey Manning, also a Bike Path alum and current Motivate employee. “Knowing that I’m keeping New York City moving, and knowing that my work actually counts somewhere – this is the stuff that makes you special.”

Looking Ahead

While we celebrated the graduation of the final 2025 Bike Path cohort, the graduation ceremony also represents a beginning. These new graduates will soon join the ranks of skilled mechanics who keep the Citi Bike program running smoothly, maintaining the bikes that serve as a crucial transportation link for New Yorkers.

As the Citi Bike program continues to grow and evolve, programs like Bike Path ensure that Lyft Urban Solutions and its subcontractors have the skilled workforce needed to meet increasing demand while providing meaningful opportunities. It's a partnership that exemplifies Lyft Urban Solutions’ commitment to operational excellence and community-oriented service. When we invest in people and provide genuine opportunities for growth, everyone benefits.

Congratulations to all graduates of the 2025 Bike Path program. We look forward to watching your careers flourish as you help keep New York City pedaling forward.