Typically you hear stories of the Hasids in Williamsburg revolting against the hipster bicyclists, especially those wearing skimpy clothing. But now The Forward reports on a sign that popped up in the neighborhood this month that could bridge the gap between the groups; "On it is a large Star of David constructed out of 50 or so rubber chickens. In the middle of the star, Yiddish text offers a free bike loan to any of the Yiddish-speaking Satmar Hasidim who live in the area." Baruch Herzfeld (himself a Sabbath-observant Modern Orthodox Jew, with two rabbi brothers) is the man behind the sign, and he hopes his efforts will help the Hasids understand their cycling neighbors. The 37-year-old Herzfeld is described as a "neighborhood gadfly/clown/activist/businessman who owns a small bicycle repair shop below the offices of his cell phone company" (it's noted that he loaned out the 1st floor space to Time's Up). He's already had some takers, and he "just received 500 used bikes from Japan that will allow him to expand his program." He says, “The goal is just to make it acceptable. I’m not doing it because I want to change the world—I just think it would be a healthy thing for the whole city if some of these guys got on bicycles." more ›

As the tax credit funds dry up, and productions begin to flee New York City, those in the entertainment industry gathered at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens last night to hold a news conference and ask politicians to expand the program. The NY Times reminds us that it "offers studios tax credits from the city and state for up to 35 percent of the production costs," but as previously reported, the $690 million meant to last another four years is already gone. more ›

Starting July 21st ZipCar dares you not to drive. CoolHunting reports that the company has introduced a new program: the Low-Car Diet. For those willing to take the leap and go car-free for a full 30 days, they are replacing "participants' car keys with a complimentary transit pass, a free one-year Zipcar membership, drive time credit and a number of other perks from local partners. In the New York City area, Zoo York will aid the car-less participants by donating skateboards"! The month will be bookended by a ceremonial key-drop on the 21st and a completion event on August 15th (details on both TBA). New York is one of the 10 U.S. cities where the program is being offered (Zipcar members were also asked to participate), but the website now states that applications are on hold. We've contacted ZipCar and they told us "we're still open for enrollment here in NYC!" You can contact rharmon (at) zipcar (dot) com if you are interested. more ›