Warnings to Cyclists Near the Bridge
There have been a number of tragic bicycle fatalities in Brooklyn this week, and the danger of the intersections near the Brooklyn Bridge has once again been highlighted. But rather than focus on traffic calming and the like — or, okay, maybe in addition to it — Streetsblog reports that the NYPD is asking bicyclists…
There have been a number of tragic bicycle fatalities in Brooklyn this week, and the danger of the intersections near the Brooklyn Bridge has once again been highlighted. But rather than focus on traffic calming and the like — or, okay, maybe in addition to it — Streetsblog reports that the NYPD is asking bicyclists to dismount at the base of the bridge. Well, maybe not asking. “A uniformed officer told me that I was supposed to dismount and walk to the point where the path ends, and where we were then standing,” says their tipster. “I pointed her to the bicycle symbol painted on the ground about 10 feet from where we were and she pointed up to a sign about 30 feet away and explained that from that point to the end, bikers were to dismount and that C class summonses were going to be handed out shortly and that she was providing a warning.” Is the NYPD providing protection for bikers or is it a continuation of the culture war of cops-against-bicyclists?
NYPD Issuing Warnings to Brooklyn Bridge Cyclists [Streetsblog]
cmu- How mature. I guess that works better for you than acting like a responsible grown up.
lurker, I usually avoid peds in intersections, but may have to reconsider for at least one of them.
The bike lanes are stupid. The bikers are stupid. You still live in a metropolis where there are cars and trucks and buses. Biking should be in the parks ONLY. For the new bikers that ride bikes with flip flops, ipods, and ice coffees in there hand and big sunglasses trying to steer a bike can be quite difficult. Also, I thought riding on sidewalks were a no no anyway next time I see a biker riding on a sidewalk they will get knocked down because its uncalled for. Oh! before I forget what they did to Vanderbilt ave in Prospect Heights is really stupid, with all of the traffic that has been there for years you go and put bike lanes and pedestrian islands in the middle of the ave. Now you have the existing traffic, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossing islands. I would like to be there when the horrific accident happens so I can say I told you so.
“Nobody follows every traffic rule, they use their judgment (and accept the consequences if any. ” except this isn’t Copenhagen and you’re supposed to obey the traffic laws. What you’e saying is you’ll obey them if its convenient. Multiply that by thousands and you begin to see the problem.
“I make it VERY CLEAR that my OCCASIONAL using the sidewalk, etc, is because of other factors, or simply because IT IS SILLY for me to bike around 3 blocks instead of riding home (given the level of traffic in these areas.)” Simply because it is silly? Yeah, well it’s silly for me to wait for the traffic light and since I’m a pedestrian and I have the right of way, here I go. My force field will stop the cars and bikes. For a guy who thinks he’s right you sure are defensive.
“Help me understand this convolution: “everything about your answer is exactly why there is such animosity toward cyclists”” And you think I have trouble with nuances? No, cmu, the word “everything” refers to everything you posted- not just your aversion to helmets. I could care less if you wear spandex – you’re the one who said “But the *main reason* I have against helmets and spandex is that it makes cycling the “other”. Not us. You have to buy the threads, don the casque and ride the carbon.” How ridiculous. A specious semi-philosophical argument for not wearing a helmet doesn’t fly.
Are we supposed to applaud your attempt at living green even though you feel its fine to ignore the rules that deem “silly”? Am I supposed to be awed by your living free independent streak because you refuse to wear a helmet? I don’t think so. Folks like you give cyclists a bad name and then you wonder why more people don’t ride bikes?
I guess you never jaywalk…what city are you living in? And you never exceed the speed limit either. Or make a U-turn to grab a parking space.
You don’t know how to read a nuanced reply. I make it VERY CLEAR that my OCCASIONAL using the sidewalk, etc, is because of other factors, or simply because IT IS SILLY for me to bike around 3 blocks instead of riding home (given the level of traffic in these areas.) I would not ride against traffic on PPW. I respect other traffic; if a biker is coming the other way, I’ve been known to stop. Nobody follows every traffic rule, they use their judgment (and accept the consequences if any.)
And in enlightened cities, including some in the US, it is LEGAL for bikes to ride against traffic on side roads. Check out copenhaganize.com and you might learn something about real cycling.
Help me understand this convolution: “everything about your answer is exactly why there is such animosity toward cyclists” regarding my comments about spandex. So I DON’T wear spandex and that engenders animosity and makes me part of the problem? Wow. It was meant to be IRONIC anyway,…but underscoring the valid point that if you look different, you might be treated differently.
so, cmu- you really aren’t part of the solution. You’re part of the problem.
As for your truly absurd “But the *main reason* I have against helmets and spandex is that it makes cycling the “other”.
I see plenty of people wearing regular clothing and helmets. I have no idea where you got your idea of bike culture but everything about your answer is exactly why there is such animosity toward cyclists. You’re more worried about fashion- spandex, for pete’s sake!-than safety? Well, I am going to stop myself here from saying what I’d really like to.
As for this:”or simply because, like jaywalking, I ain’t gonna stop if it’s safe to go thru. And I could argue that it’s actually safer for me to go against traffic on, say, Carroll St from 5th Av and certainly faster to get to my house.”
Yes- you and every other arrogant jerk on 2 wheels. So much for respect, eh? when you yourself start promoting respect, then you can complain. as a pedestrian who has been nearly hit a number of times by cyclists like you, remember karma. Someday it’ll bite you in the ass. Hard.
linthemist: Helmets, another blazing-button issue. Tell you why. Millions don’t wear them. In Australia, after they made them mandatory, cycling dropped 20-25%. They are of dubious use (yes, and I’ll brace for the inevitable “I was hit and the car ran over my head and I’m only alive because of a helmet” anecdotes.) Vast difference between collision momentum when on a motorcycle and when (as I am) piddling along at 5mph on my bike and watching out for traffic. On any major impact, the helmet does not help. But I do recognize that it’s impossible to convince the helmet gang.
But the *main reason* I have against helmets and spandex is that it makes cycling the “other”. Not us. You have to buy the threads, don the casque and ride the carbon. In countries (European mostly) where cycling is more prevalent, *hardly anyone* wears them (see http://www.copenhagenize.com/, eg).
What we need to do is make the car not-King, make cycling be seen as normal as walking and you wouldn’t want ’em.
nicksull: Agreed in principle, not practice. On occasion I’m guilty of a) b) and c) (never d)) because of expediency (too many trucks blocking the road), ease, or simply because, like jaywalking, I ain’t gonna stop if it’s safe to go thru. And I could argue that it’s actually safer for me to go against traffic on, say, Carroll St from 5th Av and certainly faster to get to my house.
Now, if I were part of a stream of cyclists, I’d go along with the herd and obey every rule, but almost always it’s me by myself.
Cyclists should be encouraged wherever and whenever possible for so many obvious reasons. But it beggers belief how seemingly unaware cyclists are about road rules and safety – confusing reckless action with a self righteous ‘stick it to the man’ mentality.
In England they used to have a cycling test for kids. It was basic but it saved thousands of lives. Here its the grown ups who need teaching.
Perhaps all cyclists should be made to do a 10 min cycling test to show the basics: a) They can recognise which way a one way street runs b) they can tell the color red from green c) know not to cycle on sidewalks and d) they know not to bleat about cyclists rights while they constantly endanger themselves and pedestrians with their holier than thou ‘i aint stopping for you’ attitude.
Perhaps the cops should concentrate on ticketing cyclists for running red lights (or riding on sidewalks) – make the city a fortune – and use it to pay for some rudimentary road proficiency test – things would get safer for everyone.
“studies have shown that *difference* from the norm is what one tends to notice more. I think it’s not that drivers don’t notice them, but that some are enraged by them.”
cmu- Agreed that some drivers are enraged by them, but that difference from the norm you speak about i don’t think is entirely applicable to street driving where there is a hell of a lot of visual stimuli, and people, including people on bikes are part of the norm. Unless they’re wearing bright colored clothing or have some object that catches your eye, a guy in a grey jacket on a black bike is not going to grab your attention from a big red SUV on your side. Visualize a bike rider against the background of a streetscape. Height doesn’t make all that much difference in visibility conditions like this.
can’t argue with you about bikers all over the world but in this country car is king (Not that I think that’s a good thing mind you. But it is a fact). Our roadways didn’t just evolve from old paths and carriage lanes, we’ve made a concerted effort to build for cars and that’s the reality. It would be great if the roads could be shared more but wishing doesn’t make it so.
“aah, schultz had to to say “without a helmet”…that’s the Nazi trope of bike threads. Get over it, sch, I and millions of others world around don’t wear one and we’re doing fine. Has nothing to do with the issue anyway.”
well, aside from invoking Godwin’s Rule, that’s one of the most foolish statements I have ever read. Why would you not take the most basic steps to protect yourself? if motorcyclists have to wear helmets, bike riders most certainly should be wearing them.