More than a billion people tune in every year to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, and this time, ordinary folks have the chance to help provide power to the iconic, brilliantly lit orb.
Six stationary Citi Bike bicycles have been rigged up to a power station in Times Square where visitors can generate kinetic energy by pedaling. The energy will be stored in batteries and then transferred to the city’s power grid help offset the enormous energy output the celebration requires.
They’ll need to pedal hard, as the bikes generate roughly 75 watts per hour. The ball is lit by 30,000 LED lights and requires about 50,000 watts of energy.
The power station is located on 7th Avenue and 42nd Street and will remain open until Monday at 8 p.m. Participants will receive a free Citi Bike day pass as a reward for their efforts.
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