Tapped In: Flatiron Bicycle Accident, Midtown Library Renovations, New NYPD App

FATAL FLATIRON DISTRICT BICYCLE ACCIDENT A female bicyclist was fatally struck Jan. 4 by a Citywide demolition and rubbish removal truck at East 23rd Street and Madison. The bicyclist was traveling East on 23rd Street when she was hit, according to several sources. Police said that she was pronounced dead on the scene. Private sanitation trucks like Citywide Demolition actually have the highest pedestrian kill-rate of any truck vehicle according to a 1999 study produced by Right of Way. However, city law states that large trucks like these sanitation trucks must have safety convex mirrors on trucks that allows them to see in blind spots. On its website, Citywide Demolition emphasizes the company's "safe, reliable service." This pedestrian death is especially relevant in the wake of the city's fight to increase bike lanes across Manhattan. LULEMON TEMPORARY STORE APPEARS ON 3RD AVENUE Lululemon Athletica, a popular Canadian yoga and sports apparel store, will be opening a small pop-up for four months across the street from its flagship store on Third Avenue between 66th and 67th Streets. The flagship store will remain closed for renovations during this time. But with the new pop-up, Upper East Siders will be able to stay in shape in style. "Exercising and staying in good shape are inherent to the character of the Upper East Side lifestyle," says Joseph Aquino, executive vice president of Douglas Elliman's Retail Group that handled the transaction. "This brand resonates with people here." The temporary shop is replacing a Uniqlo store. MIDTOWN LIBRARY SET FOR MAJOR RENOVATIONS The New York Public Library's main branch is getting a very expensive makeover. The work will begin this summer in a renovation worth $300 million. The project will create a multi-level atrium complete with views of Bryant Park inside the Fifth Avenue landmark. The plan stirred up some controversy when it was initially proposed that millions of books be moved into storage. But no worries, bibliophiles: The New York Public Library changed course in their latest plan, stating that 3.3 million of the original library's 4.5 million research volumes will remain in the building while the rest are placed in storage. Despite fewer books, library president Tony Marx calls the renovation "the greatest that this building has seen in its history." Construction will begin this summer, and is expected to be completed by 2018. The library will remain open. NYPD LAUNCHES NEW APP New Yorkers can feel a little bit safer on New York City streets with the newly released NYPD free iPhone and iPad application. The app features "Wanted" sections to view breaking news, wanted posters, crime and NYPD videos, and the NYPD Facebook page. You can also look up crime statistics and precinct boundaries, as well as submit crime tips. There's even a section with information on how to join the Police Department. The NYPD hopes that the app will allow for faster and easier public information. Now residents from all walks of life can help fight crime on the go. CITY PARKING RATES TO INCREASE It's not such a happy new year for New York City's motorists. Starting Friday, Jan. 25, the Department of Transportation will be increasing parking meter rates south of 96th Street in Manhattan. The new rate is $3.50 an hour, or 50 cents for 8:34 minutes. That's up from $3 an hour. By the end of January, all single-space parking meters will be replaced by muni-meters citywide. There is a silver lining, though: Be glad you don't live in Chicago, where hourly rates soared to $6.50. 'PIPPI' PUPPET SHOW RETURNS TO CENTRAL PARK The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater is bringing back its 2007 hit puppet version of Pippi Longstocking, Pippi. The show premiered on Tuesday and features more than two-dozen marionettes. Award-winning playwright Zakiyyah Alexander brings this fun-loving children's classic to the stage, where audience members can laugh along as the imaginative freckled redhead overcomes bullies and burglars with her friends. Busy this winter? Not to worry-the show will run until June. The Marionette Theater is located near West 79th Street in Central Park. Tickets costs $8 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Reservations required. Visit the City Parks Foundation website, www.cityparksfoundation.org, for tickets and showtimes.