An Introduction to the 10-Speed Bike

A former machine operator at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, Barry Baldwin spent nearly three decades with the New York City Transit Authority as a bus operator. During this time, he earned numerous safety awards. Beyond his professional activities, Barry Baldwin enjoys staying physically fit. He walks several times per week and rides his 10-speed bike every weekend.

A 10-speed bike is a commonly seen multi-gear bicycle that allows riders to easily shift gears depending on the terrain and incline before them. To determine how many gears a bike has, simply multiply the number of rear sprockets by the number of chainrings on the front tire. A 10-speed would feature 10 sprockets and a single chainring.

The purpose of a multi-gear design is to assist riders in maintaining comfortable speeds and consistent levels of physical effort. For example, consider a cyclist riding along a flat, well-kept road at a leisurely cadence. If this rider is suddenly presented with a steep hill to climb or a gradual decline, they will need to adjust their gear to maintain the same cadence, an impossibility with a single-speed model.

High gears are better suited to descents, or other scenarios in which the cyclist is riding at high speeds. A bike’s highest gear is reached by setting the chainring to its largest size and moving down to the smallest rear sprocket. On the other hand, lower gears help the rider maintain momentum when pedaling up a steep incline.

It should be noted that gears and sprockets have no impact on relative speed. A 30-speed bike, for example, is no way faster than a 10 speed, nor is it an inherently better-made product. Furthermore, beginners must appreciate that “10 speed” is one of the most generic categories a bike can be put into. It is advisable to conduct research and speak with a professional regarding individual needs and desires, including a budget, when purchasing a bike.

Tips for Shopping While in New York

  Barry Baldwin presently resides in New York and previously served in the city as a dedicated bus operator with the NYC Transit Authority. Committed to providing outstanding service during his nearly three-decade-long career with NYC Transit Authority, Barry Baldwin was awarded for having an excellent track record of safety with the organization as he transported people throughout New York City.

A popular destination for shopping enthusiasts, nearly anything can be found in New York City and often at a lower price compared to other countries. Consider the following tips while shopping in New York.

Shoppers in search of fashion items often find items such as Converse trainers and Levi’s Jeans for much less than in Paris or London, although items in top-end stores such as Hugo Boss are typically the same price as in other locations. However, technology such as iPhones, digital cameras, and laptops are generally less expensive in New York.

The best high-end shops in New York are located near Central Park on Fifth Avenue, where the more accessible shopping centers include KMart and Macy’s. Close to Penn Station, Macy’s even offers an 11 percent discount for a month-long period to shoppers who visit customer service and display their passport.

New York also has several outlet malls on the outer edge of the city including Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, one of the most famous outlets in the city. Chinatown is another popular shopping area in New York and is most well-known for providing counterfeit products that replicate items such as brand name sunglasses, purses, and watches.

Fast Forward Plan to Improve NYC Transit Accessibility

New York resident Barry Baldwin spent over 25 years as a bus operator for the NYC Transit Authority. Over the course of his career, Barry Baldwin earned several safety awards and certificates, including one for providing outstanding service to people with disabilities.

Appointed president of New York City Transit in 2018, Andy Byford has made a promise to improve accessibility within the transit system. To this end, he put together the Fast Forward plan. One of the key components of this plan is the Capital Plan, which includes putting $5.5 billion toward making 70 additional subway stations accessible by 2024.

Additionally, Fast Forward hopes to accomplish a number of other goals, including:

1. Making immediate improvements to the Access-A-Ride service, to offer more types of trips and add 700 new vehicles.
2. Doubling access to the e-hail on-demand service from 1,200 to 2,400.
3. Adding staff to ensure that elevators are in good service and condition.
4. Updating sensitivity training so that NYC transit employees provide better service to differently abled customers.

He has also established an advisory committee to collect community feedback throughout the transit system.

West Side Manhattan’s Unique Elevated High Line Park

High Line Park
Image: thehighline.org

Barry Baldwin is a longtime respected presence in the New York transportation industry who spent decades as a bus operator with the NYC Transit Authority. A fitness enthusiast, Barry Baldwin walks and cycles around New York City neighborhoods when he has the opportunity.

One of the most unique public parks on Manhattan’s West Side is the High Line, which is situated on an elevated freight rail line. Slated for demolition, the 2.3-mile railway line was preserved, renovated, and made accessible through the efforts of neighborhood residents. Opened in 2009, the pathway combines a wide variety of plant species with murals, art installations, and viewing platforms that provide dramatic views over city corners and showcase the Meatpacking District’s unique architecture and street life.

The planting design employed on the High Line takes inspiration from an actual “self-seeded” landscape that took root during the 25 years when the rail line stood abandoned. With many of the species that were originally growing incorporated into the design, plants have been chosen for qualities such as sustainability and hardiness.