Closing Bell: The Brooklyn Bridge on Two Wheels
This video nicely captures a ride on the Brooklyn Bridge, though it doesn’t really document the tension that often exists between cyclists and pedestrians.
This video nicely captures a ride on the Brooklyn Bridge, though it doesn’t really document the tension that often exists between cyclists and pedestrians.
Doesn’t look to me like the biker in the clip is respecting the line.
bikes are vehicles, they should be on the road
P.S.
I contend that once a tourist is aware of the bike lane, he is more inclined to respect it. This seems to be illustrated in the above video clip.
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bikelaneparking.pdf
While pedestrians are admonished to not stand or walk in a bike lane, there is no mention of fines for doing so. Meanwhile, cyclists are warned to yield to pedestrians, without mention of specific location of the pedestrian.
It’s interesting to note that motorists are subject to a fine for obstructing a bike lane.
As difficult as it can be for cyclists in this city, it is to our advantage to obey traffic regulations and respect pedestrians.
I used to try to ride across the Brooklyn Bridge but unless it’s very early it’s not worth it for me. I get too frustrated with pedestrians who do not pay attention to the fact that the walkway is actually split in half and that one side is reserved for bikes.
To be honest, I kind of question the thinking that went into this design for a mixed use path on one of America’s most famous landmarks. The split path on both the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges is much better.
I feel kind of bad getting pissed at people who aren’t paying attention because they’re trying to take a photo of their family’s vacation, you know? I try not to be the kind of overzealous biker that others have already alluded to in their comments.
So.. I favor the Manhattan Bridge. However, I see a lot of pedestrians in the bike path there! Is the pedestrian path closed or something? I keep looking across the bridge as much as I safely can when I ride it and I have yet to see anyone walking on that side.
cheers, jacqui
What is the speed limit on the bike path on the bridge? 10 mph? 15?
4:50, I agree with you. The issue is the marking (tourists don’t want to get hit by a speeding bike and locals seem to generally be aware that there are distinct lanes). Although it’s hard to think of what could be done without turning the bridge into a tacky looking highway or painting it the kermit frog green that’s on Henry Street.
4:53, I really think most bikers respect the lanes – way much more than the pedestrian, having both walked and cycled over the bridge literally thousands of times.
Easy solution: paint it that obnoxious green thats covering the rest of the city bike lanes.
Have some freaking sense already. I can’t think of a more annoying class of person than a zealous biker. Now that spring is here, I just can’t wait to clothesline one of you obnoxious idiots. You wanna do 40, on an 8 ft wide walkway PACKED with pedestrains (most clueless tourists to boot)? Tell you what, the Manhattan Bridge is just a few blocks away on either side, and you get your own pedestrian free enclosed lane. Embrace your inner Lance over there. And I love the hypocrisy – I have yet to see a biker stop at the stop line on the Brooklyn side near the stairs.