Among the many virtues of the bicycle is its simplicity. A disaster like Hurricane Sandy can take out complex systems like the power grid and subway but the bicycle will still work. Even if the roads are blocked with fallen trees the cyclist can lift their bike over obstacles.
In much of New York right now the power grid is still down but on the lower East Side volunteers from the environmental group Times Up are running a free tandem powered mobile phone charging service. In times of trouble maintaining communications is vital and the small amount of power needed to charge a mobile phone can easily be supplied by a bike.
With the subway closed, car access to Manhattan restricted and many filling stations out of fuel the bicycle is really coming into its own for commuters. On the website http://bikeapolis.us/ there are details of community organised support stops for cyclists, offering mechanical help, coffee and emotional support. There are also details of Bike Trains where commuters can meet and travel in groups for safety.
Bike Portland have a series of good posts about the bicycle in New York after Sandy
Time's Up Website
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