As a regular biker in Manhattan, let me tell you, the map isn't exaggerating. 8th, 9th, Broadway, 1st, and 2nd really are the best ways to go north and south in Manhattan, precisely because of those segregated bike lanes. In addition I'll sometimes take the paths along the Hudson and East River (which this map emphasizes).

For a long north/south trip, say, 80 blocks, I'll much sooner go over an avenue or two to use one that has a bike lane than go all 80 blocks on an avenue that doesn't have a bike lane. You have to pedal fast to keep up with traffic enough to not be unsafe when you're mixed in with motor vehicles on an avenue, and I don't have the endurance to go that fast for 80 blocks, especially not on a heavy Citibike.

Most people who are commuting probably don't look at Google Maps every day to figure out how to get home. They're taking the bike lanes because they're safer.

He acknowledges that limitation throughout the article. What's your point?

Only the "most popular roads" would suffer from that flaw; and the "day in the life" animation.