Comments on: New “Shared Lane” Bike Route Design Spotted in Manhattan http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:47 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Brian http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5912 Brian Fri, 13 Oct 2006 03:14:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5912 These are called "sharrows" in Portland, OR. These are called "sharrows" in Portland, OR.

]]> By: John http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5793 John Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:06:31 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5793 ON August 7, 1999, the New York Post reported that "New York City may soon lower the speed limit to 15 mph on residential streets under a measure approved by the state Legislature." Does anyone know what became of this proposed legislation? ON August 7, 1999, the New York Post reported that "New York City may soon lower the speed limit to 15 mph on residential streets under a measure approved by the state Legislature."
Does anyone know what became of this proposed legislation?

]]> By: John http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5791 John Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:00:34 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5791 John Allen states that "New York state ... has a mandatory bike lane law and keep-right law, with some exceptions. The DOT Web site specifically states, "Be aware that when a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicyclists should ride in or near the center of the lane to discourage motorists from trying to pass." Based on this statement from the DOT, I take the whole lane when I'm cycling on Second Street from 1st Avenue to Avenue C. I average 15-20 mph, so I'm travelling as fast (if not faster) than most cars in Manhattan, and the street is so narrow that the middle of the traffic lane is the safest place to ride. John Allen states that "New York state ... has a mandatory bike lane law and keep-right law, with some exceptions. The DOT Web site specifically states, "Be aware that when a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicyclists should ride in or near the center of the lane to discourage motorists from trying to pass."
Based on this statement from the DOT, I take the whole lane when I'm cycling on Second Street from 1st Avenue to Avenue C. I average 15-20 mph, so I'm travelling as fast (if not faster) than most cars in Manhattan, and the street is so narrow that the middle of the traffic lane is the safest place to ride.

]]> By: Matthew http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5780 Matthew Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:08:18 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5780 Folks, VTL #1234 does not apply in New York City. The Rules Of New York City (RCNY) 34 RCNY 4-02 (e) specifically supercede #1234 and allows for cyclists to ride on either side of a 40+ ft. roadway in a manner that ensures cyclist safety. You are required to be in a bike lane only if it is free of moving, stationary, or surface hazards. At the point that someone double parks, drives in the lane, etc. you have the right and duty to leave the lane and maintain your safety. Check out this link for more details, and don't believe the #1234 hype! http://www.bicycledefensefund.org/bikelaw.html Folks, VTL #1234 does not apply in New York City. The Rules Of New York City (RCNY) 34 RCNY 4-02 (e) specifically supercede #1234 and allows for cyclists to ride on either side of a 40+ ft. roadway in a manner that ensures cyclist safety. You are required to be in a bike lane only if it is free of moving, stationary, or surface hazards. At the point that someone double parks, drives in the lane, etc. you have the right and duty to leave the lane and maintain your safety.

Check out this link for more details, and don't believe the #1234 hype!

http://www.bicycledefensefund.org/bikelaw.html

]]> By: Night Rider http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5775 Night Rider Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:55:10 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5775 "New York state, which has a mandatory bike lane law and keep-right law" And this is why I hate riding in New York City. Keep right, sure, but this BS about mandatory use of bike lanes turns cyclists into second-class traffic citizens. Especially since the police do nothing to keep the lanes clear and pedestrians, cars and trucks act like they don't exist. "New York state, which has a mandatory bike lane law and keep-right law"

And this is why I hate riding in New York City. Keep right, sure, but this BS about mandatory use of bike lanes turns cyclists into second-class traffic citizens. Especially since the police do nothing to keep the lanes clear and pedestrians, cars and trucks act like they don't exist.

]]> By: John S. Allen http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5772 John S. Allen Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:27:47 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5772 In response to da's question: no, bicycles and motor vehicles are not equals on every street in New York state, which has a mandatory bike lane law and keep-right law, with some exceptions. See http://www.dot.state.ny.us/pubtrans/share.html#1234 In response to da's question: no, bicycles and motor vehicles are not equals on every street in New York state, which has a mandatory bike lane law and keep-right law, with some exceptions. See http://www.dot.state.ny.us/pubtrans/share.html#1234

]]> By: bikebikewooowoooweeeebike http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5759 bikebikewooowoooweeeebike Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:19:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5759 this actually scares me. you are right, all streets are for bikes and cars (even though many motorists refuse to accept this). now that we have specific streets where bikes and cars are supposed to coexist peacefully, i'm afraid that bicyclists will be harassed/ticketed/further ignored/put in greater danger if they ride on a street that isn't specified as shared lane. i guess the idea is good in theory, but it isn't always practical to ride a sprecific route on predetermined streets, and i fear what is going to happen when someone rides on a street that isnt specified as shared lane. this actually scares me. you are right, all streets are for bikes and cars (even though many motorists refuse to accept this).

now that we have specific streets where bikes and cars are supposed to coexist peacefully, i'm afraid that bicyclists will be harassed/ticketed/further ignored/put in greater danger if they ride on a street that isn't specified as shared lane.

i guess the idea is good in theory, but it isn't always practical to ride a sprecific route on predetermined streets, and i fear what is going to happen when someone rides on a street that isnt specified as shared lane.

]]> By: da http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5754 da Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:21:58 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5754 Aren't motor vehicles and bikes supposed to "ride together as equals" in EVERY street? Aren't motor vehicles and bikes supposed to "ride together as equals" in EVERY street?

]]> By: alex http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5752 alex Wed, 11 Oct 2006 01:42:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5752 I can verify Hannah's observation. On Sunday morning, my girlfriend and I noticed the marking on W.77th (we recall 78th but it could have been 77th?) on the west side of the intersection with Columbus. There will be photographic evidence tomorrow. Also, as I rode home on 8th Ave this evening, I observed a police car with lights and sirens blaring. The car was driving down the bike lane and parking behind standing vehicles until they drove off. I watched this behavior for about 2 minutes ast he police vehicle swept 3 passenger cars out of the 8th Ave bike lane between W.50th and W.54th streets. Although I would prefer tickets for the offenders, I guess badgering drivers to vacate the bike lane meets the immediate needs of cyclists. Has anyone else seen something similar? I can verify Hannah's observation. On Sunday morning, my girlfriend and I noticed the marking on W.77th (we recall 78th but it could have been 77th?) on the west side of the intersection with Columbus. There will be photographic evidence tomorrow.
Also, as I rode home on 8th Ave this evening, I observed a police car with lights and sirens blaring. The car was driving down the bike lane and parking behind standing vehicles until they drove off. I watched this behavior for about 2 minutes ast he police vehicle swept 3 passenger cars out of the 8th Ave bike lane between W.50th and W.54th streets. Although I would prefer tickets for the offenders, I guess badgering drivers to vacate the bike lane meets the immediate needs of cyclists.
Has anyone else seen something similar?

]]> By: Glenn http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5735 Glenn Tue, 10 Oct 2006 20:57:46 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5735 Hannah - what avenue was that near? Or was that across 77th street? If you could take a couple of photos we can post them. Hannah - what avenue was that near? Or was that across 77th street? If you could take a couple of photos we can post them.

]]> By: Hannah http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5726 Hannah Tue, 10 Oct 2006 19:44:57 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5726 Just yesterday I noticed shared-use markings on West 77th Street in Manhattan. I don't think they had chevrons, but there was some faint white paint around suggesting that perhaps more thermoplasting remains to be done. The bike symbols were very close to parked cars and, in one case, practically under a Dumpster on the side of the road. Just yesterday I noticed shared-use markings on West 77th Street in Manhattan. I don't think they had chevrons, but there was some faint white paint around suggesting that perhaps more thermoplasting remains to be done. The bike symbols were very close to parked cars and, in one case, practically under a Dumpster on the side of the road.

]]> By: mfs http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-shared-lane-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/comment-page-1/#comment-5720 mfs Tue, 10 Oct 2006 18:59:59 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/10/new-class-iii-bike-route-design-spotted-on-lower-east-side/#comment-5720 that's great to hear of this experiment- I'll check it out next time I'm biking to work. that's great to hear of this experiment- I'll check it out next time I'm biking to work.

]]>