Some irked by bike share program's weight limit

NEW YORK, May 2 (UPI) -- Some New Yorkers said they were outraged to learn the city's new bike share program will not allow any riders weighing more than 260 pounds.

The city Department of Transportation program, which begins this month, requires those who sign up for $95 per year or $25 per week to sign a contract stating users must not exceed maximum weight limit [260 pounds]," the New York Post reported Thursday.

"That's bogus. 260 pounds isn't going to break the bike," Juleissy Lantigua, 19, said of the rule. "To me, that's discrimination. And I'm not easily offended!"

Other residents said the height of an obesity epidemic is not the time to be banning heavier people from an exercise activity.

"If you're 260 pounds or 300 pounds and want to ride a bike, you should be allowed to. You're making a choice to live healthier and to lose weight," said Jhoskaira Ferman, 20.

Jon Orcutt, the Department of Transportation's policy director, said the weight limit will not be strictly enforced.

"I think people will be self-selecting, practical and safe," he said.