New Health Commish Shifts Gears on City Biking

New York City's health commissioner had to do a little backpedaling over the issue of bicycle safety.

Thomas Farley, who last week replaced Tom Frieden as the city's health commissioner, said he rode his bike to work every day in his last job, at Tulane University in New Orleans.

When the Daily News asked Farley if he'll do that in New York City, he initially replied, "At the moment, in Manhattan, no."

He added: "If I felt it were safe, absolutely."

But the paper said Farley "quickly called back" to say he'll be riding in Manhattan once his bike arrives from New Orleans.

Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said she looks forward to riding with him.

Sadik-Khan added that city cycling is popular and keeps getting safer as bike lanes are added.

"The goal is to make (city streets) safe whether you're 7 years old or 70 -- or the new health commissioner," she told the Daily News.