Discover how some New Yorkers outsmarted Citi Bike’s algorithm and how one reporter uncovered their methods.
Undercover work can be challenging, especially when tracking individuals who are trying to evade detection. In a recent investigation, I found myself in the midst of a group of men engaged in a scheme to maximize their earnings through a bike-sharing program in New York City. This group had discovered a loophole in the system that allowed them to earn substantial amounts of money by strategically moving bikes between stations.
The bike-sharing network in question is Citi Bike, owned by Lyft, which offers a program called Bike Angels. This program allows users to earn points by moving bikes from crowded stations to high-demand docks. These points can be exchanged for monetary rewards, with each point being worth 20 cents. The group of men I was tracking had figured out that by working together and strategically moving bikes between stations, they could earn the maximum number of points, potentially making up to $6,000 a month as top performers, known as Power Angels.
As I observed the group in action, I realized that they were operating with precision and coordination. They would unlock bikes from a Citi Bike station, move them to another location, then quickly return to grab more bikes and repeat the process. This scheme allowed them to accumulate points efficiently and maximize their earnings. However, their success relied on staying under the radar and avoiding detection.
Unfortunately for me, my attempt at undercover surveillance was compromised when the men noticed my presence during their second trip. Despite my efforts to blend in, my choice of attire – a distinctive purple shirt with cherry blossom flowers and rainbow-colored thread – gave me away. The men abruptly changed their plans, dispersing in different directions and leaving me stranded on the sidewalk, feeling exposed and defeated.
In conclusion, the investigation into the activities of these Power Angels revealed the lengths to which individuals would go to exploit loopholes in systems for financial gain. The intricate coordination and strategic maneuvers employed by this group underscored the challenges faced by organizations like Citi Bike in maintaining the integrity of their programs. While my undercover mission may have been unsuccessful, it shed light on the ingenuity and determination of those seeking to game the system for personal profit.
Source: The NY Times
