Artist's Device Slows Down Citi Bikes in Less Affordable Neighborhoods
Artist and researcher Justin Blinder has developed 'Ground Truth,' a device that modifies the brakes on Citi Bikes depending on the rental affordability of the area being traversed. This innovation is featured in an exhibition of the same name, which aims to make the affordability crisis in New York City tangible. Blinder has cycled more than 35 miles throughout the city with this device, compatible with both Lyft manual and e-bikes. The project received funding from Idle Hands, an art incubation initiative established in 2025 by Linden Renz and Gabrielle Sirkin, which granted Blinder its first $10,000 Incubation award. Co-published with Next City, a nonprofit news outlet, the device is not for public use, yet it starkly illustrates the affordability differences between neighborhoods such as Park Slope and Flatbush.
Key facts
- Justin Blinder created 'Ground Truth,' a device that slows down Citi Bikes in less affordable neighborhoods.
- The device manipulates brakes based on rent affordability levels.
- The work is part of an exhibition titled 'Ground Truth.'
- Blinder has biked over 35 miles across New York City with the device.
- The device works on both Lyft manual and e-bikes.
- Funding came from Idle Hands, an art incubation program founded in 2025 by Linden Renz and Gabrielle Sirkin.
- Blinder was the inaugural winner of the Idle Hands Incubation award, receiving $10,000.
- The story was copublished with Next City.
Entities
Artists
- Justin Blinder
Institutions
- Idle Hands
- Next City
- Lyft
- Citi Bike
- American Community Survey
- Dezeen
- Riksbyggen
- BBDO
Locations
- New York City
- Brooklyn
- Prospect Park
- Park Slope
- Windsor Terrace
- Prospect Lefferts Gardens
- Flatbush
- Lincoln Avenue
- Sweden
Sources
- Dezeen —
- Hyperallergic —