Comments on: 94th Precinct to Cyclists: Obey Traffic Rules http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:32:54 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Betty http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-54601 Betty Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:49:48 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-54601 Just want to add...why should we re-design streets? For the past 35 years that I have lived here, the streets didn't have to be re-designed. These streets are already narrow, and now I have to be concerned that a biker not following traffic rules might hit me. This past weekend, I witnessed at least 30 bikers barreling through stop signs, going the wrong way. People walking out aimlessly in front of moving cars. You people are truly NUTS and have no Street sense whatsoever. You moved to the city, stop trying to save the world and deal with what's here. I hate Greenpoint now, it's really a shame. Just want to add...why should we re-design streets? For the past 35 years that I have lived here, the streets didn't have to be re-designed. These streets are already narrow, and now I have to be concerned that a biker not following traffic rules might hit me. This past weekend, I witnessed at least 30 bikers barreling through stop signs, going the wrong way. People walking out aimlessly in front of moving cars. You people are truly NUTS and have no Street sense whatsoever. You moved to the city, stop trying to save the world and deal with what's here. I hate Greenpoint now, it's really a shame.

]]> By: Betty http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-54598 Betty Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:31:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-54598 You guys are kidding RIGHT? I drive a car and the people in the area are oblivious to cars on foot, forget how much of a danger they are on bikes. Remember you are walking and riding in a city street, not the country road...Kudos to the 94th! You guys are kidding RIGHT? I drive a car and the people in the area are oblivious to cars on foot, forget how much of a danger they are on bikes. Remember you are walking and riding in a city street, not the country road...Kudos to the 94th!

]]> By: buford http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-36094 buford Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:46:24 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-36094 A truly inane comment from Rebecca: "Neighborhoods are designated by Police Precincts. The borders that hold true for the precinct, hold true for the name of the neighborhood as well." Who made this rule? Is Soho the 1 or the 5? Which precinct is Tribeca? Oh wait, that's in the 1 too. and so is Wall Street/financial district, so those must not be neighborhoods. Williamsburg consists of the Northside & the Southside. It doesn't start at Metropolitan Ave. (the border between the 94 & 90), it starts at McCarren Park (heading south). Greenpoint is way cooler than W'burg anyway; it hasn't completely transformed into a post-college dorm for kids with track bikes & army hats (yet). All the frothing at the mouth aside, has anyone ever heard of a cop from the 94 actually summonsing a cyclist? I ride there every day & have never seen or heard of such a thing. It's one of the most apathetic houses in the PD; I don't anticipate a ticket blitz. In my experience, based on riding in the city & messengering from the '70s-'90s, most cops consider giving cyclists tickets incredibly Mickey Mouse & will only do so if under the observation of a boss who they know will give them a hard time if they don't. I once had a cop follow me on a scooter as I blew a red across 4 lanes of Canal, went the wrong way for several blocks on Broome & ran about 10 more red lights. He pulled me over & wrote me a ticket for not having a bell & told me how to cure the ticket (by putting a bell on the bike & showing up at the issuing precinct within 24 hours). A truly inane comment from Rebecca:
"Neighborhoods are designated by Police Precincts. The borders that hold true for the precinct, hold true for the name of the neighborhood as well."
Who made this rule? Is Soho the 1 or the 5? Which precinct is Tribeca? Oh wait, that's in the 1 too. and so is Wall Street/financial district, so those must not be neighborhoods.
Williamsburg consists of the Northside & the Southside. It doesn't start at Metropolitan Ave. (the border between the 94 & 90), it starts at McCarren Park (heading south).
Greenpoint is way cooler than W'burg anyway; it hasn't completely transformed into a post-college dorm for kids with track bikes & army hats (yet).
All the frothing at the mouth aside, has anyone ever heard of a cop from the 94 actually summonsing a cyclist? I ride there every day & have never seen or heard of such a thing. It's one of the most apathetic houses in the PD; I don't anticipate a ticket blitz.
In my experience, based on riding in the city & messengering from the '70s-'90s, most cops consider giving cyclists tickets incredibly Mickey Mouse & will only do so if under the observation of a boss who they know will give them a hard time if they don't. I once had a cop follow me on a scooter as I blew a red across 4 lanes of Canal, went the wrong way for several blocks on Broome & ran about 10 more red lights. He pulled me over & wrote me a ticket for not having a bell & told me how to cure the ticket (by putting a bell on the bike & showing up at the issuing precinct within 24 hours).

]]> By: gecko http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-35942 gecko Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:33:15 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-35942 The key thing about streets with cars is that the slightest mistake can be life threatening. It is an environment where heavy equipment completely dominates and not typical of safety-regulated working and industrial environments. It is not really about who made the mistake and who is at fault since the gravely serious outcomes far outstrip simple causes by human error or carelessness. It is about whether the transportation environment is designed well enough that relatively minor mistakes don't kill or maim people. The police are stuck in the middle. As individuals they may have their own opinions and behaviors but the statement above seems to be an effort to save lives. The streets have to been redesigned to be much safer for both cyclists and pedestrians and a "towards zero deaths" initiative should be started to greatly limit the considerable danger. The key thing about streets with cars is that the slightest mistake can be life threatening. It is an environment where heavy equipment completely dominates and not typical of safety-regulated working and industrial environments. It is not really about who made the mistake and who is at fault since the gravely serious outcomes far outstrip simple causes by human error or carelessness. It is about whether the transportation environment is designed well enough that relatively minor mistakes don't kill or maim people.

The police are stuck in the middle. As individuals they may have their own opinions and behaviors but the statement above seems to be an effort to save lives.

The streets have to been redesigned to be much safer for both cyclists and pedestrians and a "towards zero deaths" initiative should be started to greatly limit the considerable danger.

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-35875 Rebecca Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:51:14 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-35875 The reason that the precinct covers Greenpoint and Northside is that most of the Northside IS Greenpoint. Neighborhoods are designated by Police Precincts. The borders that hold true for the precinct, hold true for the name of the neighborhood as well. So your cool artists' loft on North 10th is in Greenpoint. Welcome to the neighborhood. The reason that the precinct covers Greenpoint and Northside is that most of the Northside IS Greenpoint. Neighborhoods are designated by Police Precincts. The borders that hold true for the precinct, hold true for the name of the neighborhood as well. So your cool artists' loft on North 10th is in Greenpoint. Welcome to the neighborhood.

]]> By: P http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-34615 P Sun, 29 Jul 2007 20:24:58 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-34615 Yeah, I meant <i>conscientious</i>... When can we have an 'edit' command? Yeah, I meant conscientious...

When can we have an 'edit' command?

]]> By: P http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-34614 P Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:29:43 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-34614 Sproket- Congratulations on getting back on your bike. It does sound like you were contientious about your choice of riding location but really, we should be on the streets, not the sidewalks. We have a hard enough time convincing pedestrians that we aren't the problem as it is- scaring the crap out of them doesn't help. Sproket-
Congratulations on getting back on your bike. It does sound like you were contientious about your choice of riding location but really, we should be on the streets, not the sidewalks.

We have a hard enough time convincing pedestrians that we aren't the problem as it is- scaring the crap out of them doesn't help.

]]> By: Sproket Man http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-34609 Sproket Man Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:14:12 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-34609 I just started biking again and biked for the first time from Greenpoint to Little Italy in Manhattan and back. I took streets and sidewalks, wherever safe. Whenever I saw a street which looked dangerous, I switched to the sidewalks. When I saw groups of pedestrians, I walked my bike. But nothing happened until I came back to Greenpoint. I had just switched to the sidewalk from the street just to avoid traffic on Nassau near Manhattan, and a guy yelled at me angrily to use the street. I embarrassingly obliged. The guy even looked like an off-duty cop. It's funny how nobody made a big deal out of biking on the sidewalks until I got back to Greenpoint. I think it's because the neighborhood is changing and everyone is really temperamental...and drunk. I'm just going to bike on the street from now on. I'd rather get yelled at by a driver than a pedestrian. I just started biking again and biked for the first time from Greenpoint to Little Italy in Manhattan and back. I took streets and sidewalks, wherever safe. Whenever I saw a street which looked dangerous, I switched to the sidewalks. When I saw groups of pedestrians, I walked my bike. But nothing happened until I came back to Greenpoint. I had just switched to the sidewalk from the street just to avoid traffic on Nassau near Manhattan, and a guy yelled at me angrily to use the street. I embarrassingly obliged. The guy even looked like an off-duty cop.

It's funny how nobody made a big deal out of biking on the sidewalks until I got back to Greenpoint. I think it's because the neighborhood is changing and everyone is really temperamental...and drunk. I'm just going to bike on the street from now on. I'd rather get yelled at by a driver than a pedestrian.

]]> By: Angus Grieve-Smith http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-33454 Angus Grieve-Smith Thu, 05 Jul 2007 03:30:11 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33454 Sorry, Do, I just can't believe that suburban Long Islanders are going to drive all the way through Queens, across the Kosciuszko Bridge and through city streets, and troll for parking ... to take the L train? or the J? No, sorry, I don't think so. At worst, they'd stay in Queens and take the N or the E, or stay on the BQE long enough to get to the trains in Downtown Brooklyn. But they won't. They didn't in London and they didn't in Stockholm. If they take the train, they'll take it from much closer to home. Sorry, Do, I just can't believe that suburban Long Islanders are going to drive all the way through Queens, across the Kosciuszko Bridge and through city streets, and troll for parking ... to take the L train? or the J?

No, sorry, I don't think so. At worst, they'd stay in Queens and take the N or the E, or stay on the BQE long enough to get to the trains in Downtown Brooklyn. But they won't. They didn't in London and they didn't in Stockholm. If they take the train, they'll take it from much closer to home.

]]> By: Do Walker http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-33450 Do Walker Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:54:03 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33450 CYCLISTS: You think it's bad now? Wait till all of the suburban Long Islanders start rolling into N. Brooklyn looking for parking spaces to avoid the $8 tax levied to go into Manhattan! Then we'll really see an alarming rise in "incidents" between motorists(who are not used to bikes on the road and already 15mins. late for work)and city cyclists. Hey 94th precinct: Got a contingent plan for that? No? Didn't think so. This is the product of low-wage law enforcement. Just waste our tax dollars cutting bike locks and intimidating hipsters from Kansas who show up in court and get their tickets dismissed. CYCLISTS:

You think it's bad now? Wait till all of the suburban Long Islanders start rolling into N. Brooklyn looking for parking spaces to avoid the $8 tax levied to go into Manhattan!

Then we'll really see an alarming rise in "incidents" between motorists(who are not used to bikes on the road and already 15mins. late for work)and city cyclists.

Hey 94th precinct: Got a contingent plan for that? No? Didn't think so. This is the product of low-wage law enforcement.

Just waste our tax dollars cutting bike locks and intimidating hipsters from Kansas who show up in court and get their tickets dismissed.

]]> By: mikes http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-33321 mikes Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:56:22 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33321 In a funny way I don't think that following all the traffic laws is what will ultimately give legitimacy to biking, it's shear numbers. Greater numbers of people riding will create the momentum necessary to affect change. It's starting to happen already, the best thing you can do is keep riding - be a visible indicator of change. Ride safely, whatever that means to you! Personally I wear a helmet and follow most traffic rules. I feel the frustration as a pedestrian who has nearly been run over by manic cyclists and drivers. Neither is a fun experience. Be aware of your surroundings is probably the soundest advice for all. In a funny way I don't think that following all the traffic laws is what will ultimately give legitimacy to biking, it's shear numbers. Greater numbers of people riding will create the momentum necessary to affect change. It's starting to happen already, the best thing you can do is keep riding - be a visible indicator of change. Ride safely, whatever that means to you! Personally I wear a helmet and follow most traffic rules. I feel the frustration as a pedestrian who has nearly been run over by manic cyclists and drivers. Neither is a fun experience. Be aware of your surroundings is probably the soundest advice for all.

]]> By: Karen http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-2/#comment-33314 Karen Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:23:14 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33314 "Rogue cyclists"--Is this similar to G. Bush' axis of evil or something? I think it's great that more people are cycling and it's great that there is more attention being paid to the issues that cyclists face on city streets. However, I am sorry to tell the TA people, I am not a "role model". I simply like to ride my bike. If I had to stop for every light in NYC, I would probably give up cycling because: A. I wouldn't get anywhere, certainly not to work (if I get hired again) on time and B. Not to any of the fun destinations I might choose to reach on a long distance ride. I'm not sure why certain activists and bloggers think they speak for all of us, but it's pretty annoying. Not every action is a political statement. Some people are on their bikes because they love to ride and they enjoy the road. Some of us bike because we love it. We are not being done any favors by being used for political agendas and purposes. We are often targeted by angry motorists because we are on the road, their road, as they like to put it. When are we going to hear from real cyclists? The ones that bike all over the city, whether as weekend warriors in spandex (love you and your speed) or hipsters (yes, your bikes are nice)or messengers (fast and awesome) or commuters or BMXers doing their tricks? Do we need these bloggers and urban planners directing how we move through this city or are we going to keep doing what we're doing and riding for our own pleasure, health and love? Do we have to move to the suburbs (gasp a horror on this site) in order to roll through stop signs in peace? I'm all for biking advocacy. I'm all for change. Green is good. I'm all for avoiding hitting pedestrians and children. I'm just not into more rules and regulations, no matter how well intended, that simply serve to slow me down. My average speed ain't all that hot on the city streets anyway, due to traffic, lights and road conditions. I am sorry if this doesn't fit everyone's political agenda. But it feels like the truth to me. I'm not looking to run anybody down. Just looking to ride my bike. Do I have to move out of town to do that happily again? "Rogue cyclists"--Is this similar to G. Bush' axis of evil or something? I think it's great that more people are cycling and it's great that there is more attention being paid to the issues that cyclists face on city streets.

However, I am sorry to tell the TA people, I am not a "role model". I simply like to ride my bike. If I had to stop for every light in NYC, I would probably give up cycling because:
A. I wouldn't get anywhere, certainly not to work (if I get hired again) on time and
B. Not to any of the fun destinations I might choose to reach on a long distance ride.

I'm not sure why certain activists and bloggers think they speak for all of us, but it's pretty annoying. Not every action is a political statement. Some people are on their bikes because they love to ride and they enjoy the road.

Some of us bike because we love it. We are not being done any favors by being used for political agendas and purposes. We are often targeted by angry motorists because we are on the road, their road, as they like to put it.

When are we going to hear from real cyclists? The ones that bike all over the city, whether as weekend warriors in spandex (love you and your speed) or hipsters (yes, your bikes are nice)or messengers (fast and awesome) or commuters or BMXers doing their tricks? Do we need these bloggers and urban planners directing how we move through this city or are we going to keep doing what we're doing and riding for our own pleasure, health and love? Do we have to move to the suburbs (gasp a horror on this site) in order to roll through stop signs in peace?

I'm all for biking advocacy. I'm all for change. Green is good. I'm all for avoiding hitting pedestrians and children.

I'm just not into more rules and regulations, no matter how well intended, that simply serve to slow me down. My average speed ain't all that hot on the city streets anyway, due to traffic, lights and road conditions. I am sorry if this doesn't fit everyone's political agenda. But it feels like the truth to me.

I'm not looking to run anybody down. Just looking to ride my bike. Do I have to move out of town to do that happily again?

]]> By: John Hunka http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33311 John Hunka Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:34:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33311 By the way, if there's anyone who would like to read a well-argued case for vehicular cycling, I'd be happy to lend them my copy of John Forester's book, "Effective Cycling." Just drop me a line at jkhunka@ix.netcom.com. By the way, if there's anyone who would like to read a well-argued case for vehicular cycling, I'd be happy to lend them my copy of John Forester's book, "Effective Cycling." Just drop me a line at jkhunka@ix.netcom.com.

]]> By: John Hunka http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33309 John Hunka Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:26:16 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33309 There are many people living in Manhattan who do not own cars or possess a drivers license. Do such people know that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law? Do they know the rules of the road that apply to cars --- and to bicycles? Until proven otherwise, I'll assume they do not know. I'm a member of Transportation Alternatives, and I fully support the organization's advocacy of vehicular cycling. In my experience, vehicular cycling -- that is, following the rules of the road that apply to every vehicle -- is by far the safest way to ride in NYC. It's in everyone's best interest to ride predictably and responsibly. Rogue cyclists give cyclists in general a bad reputation. There are many people living in Manhattan who do not own cars or possess a drivers license. Do such people know that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law? Do they know the rules of the road that apply to cars --- and to bicycles? Until proven otherwise, I'll assume they do not know. I'm a member of Transportation Alternatives, and I fully support the organization's advocacy of vehicular cycling. In my experience, vehicular cycling -- that is, following the rules of the road that apply to every vehicle -- is by far the safest way to ride in NYC. It's in everyone's best interest to ride predictably and responsibly. Rogue cyclists give cyclists in general a bad reputation.

]]> By: Doc Barnett http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33303 Doc Barnett Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:50:35 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33303 "I suspect that the vast majority of cyclists in NYC are unaware that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law and that they are supposed to follow the rules of the road and traffic regulations." This is hard for me to imagine, as I've heard that point made just about every time bicycles and laws are brought up (even before I got my bicycling merit badge). That bicycles are (mostly) treated as automobiles is legal, yes, but it is absurd. T.A. seems to have decided the best way to proceed is to pretend it's not absurd and tell bicyclists to solemnly obey all vehicular laws until everyone likes them. Sorry; endorsing absurdity is not a political strategy I can get behind. We must demand that laws be reasonably consistent with causation and consequences of vehicular violence (in theory and in body counts), and refuse to engage in any argument that's based on straw-men killer cyclists wearing stretchable fabrics from the early 90s. I'll still give T.A. my money, but if I ever take up cycling it won't be on their submissive terms. "I suspect that the vast majority of cyclists in NYC are unaware that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law and that they are supposed to follow the rules of the road and traffic regulations."

This is hard for me to imagine, as I've heard that point made just about every time bicycles and laws are brought up (even before I got my bicycling merit badge). That bicycles are (mostly) treated as automobiles is legal, yes, but it is absurd. T.A. seems to have decided the best way to proceed is to pretend it's not absurd and tell bicyclists to solemnly obey all vehicular laws until everyone likes them. Sorry; endorsing absurdity is not a political strategy I can get behind. We must demand that laws be reasonably consistent with causation and consequences of vehicular violence (in theory and in body counts), and refuse to engage in any argument that's based on straw-men killer cyclists wearing stretchable fabrics from the early 90s. I'll still give T.A. my money, but if I ever take up cycling it won't be on their submissive terms.

]]> By: Pedicab Pete http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33245 Pedicab Pete Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:44:18 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33245 I am told by Community Board 1 Transportation comm. head Teresa Toro that bikes are being clipped right now..... her note: I just got a phone call that the 94th Precinct is clipping bikes on Bedford Avenue. I am angry about this, as there was apparently no advance warning. CB1 recently wrote to the 90th and 94th Precincts asking them to establish an abandoned bike tagging & removal program. Such a program would ensure that bikes being removed are indeed abandoned; and there would be notice given to the bike owner to remove his/her bike by a given date. As we are all trying to get around the city via different modes of transportation, we've all got to respect each and every way people travel. Biking is on the upswing in our community, and I'm proud of that. I find it unacceptable that the precinct is taking such a negative initiative and I intend to follow up. In the meantime, I am calling the 94th Precinct (interesting, there is NO ANSWER on the phone so far). I am also letting our local elected officials know about this action. I find this particularly outrageous, given Mayor Bloomberg's and NYC DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan's recent efforts to promote more and better biking and walking alternatives for New Yorkers. Perhaps the 94th Precinct didn't get the memo yet If you also oppose this action by the precinct, please write and/or call the precinct to let them know, and PLEASE copy our elected officials and CB1. Here's info: Captain Paul Vorbeck, Commanding Officer 94th Precinct 100 Meserole Avenue Phone 718 383 3879 Fax 718 383 8095 I am told by Community Board 1 Transportation comm. head Teresa Toro that bikes are being clipped right now.....

her note:

I just got a phone call that the 94th Precinct is clipping bikes on Bedford Avenue. I am angry about this, as there was apparently no advance warning.

CB1 recently wrote to the 90th and 94th Precincts asking them to establish an abandoned bike tagging & removal program. Such a program would ensure that bikes being removed are indeed abandoned; and there would be notice given to the bike owner to remove his/her bike by a given date.

As we are all trying to get around the city via different modes of transportation, we've all got to respect each and every way people travel. Biking is on the upswing in our community, and I'm proud of that. I find it unacceptable that the precinct is taking such a negative initiative and I intend to follow up. In the meantime, I am calling the 94th Precinct (interesting, there is NO ANSWER on the phone so far). I am also letting our local elected officials know about this action.

I find this particularly outrageous, given Mayor Bloomberg's and NYC DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan's recent efforts to promote more and better biking and walking alternatives for New Yorkers. Perhaps the 94th Precinct didn't get the memo yet

If you also oppose this action by the precinct, please write and/or call the precinct to let them know, and PLEASE copy our elected officials and CB1.

Here's info:

Captain Paul Vorbeck, Commanding Officer
94th Precinct
100 Meserole Avenue
Phone 718 383 3879
Fax 718 383 8095

]]> By: John Hunka http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33242 John Hunka Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:08:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33242 The following quote is from John Forester, who wrote the book "Effective Cycling," which offers an intelligent discussion of the pros and cons of "vehicular cycling." He states a compelling rationale for cyclists to ride responsibly. Forester writes, "In the context of American society, any organization that attempts to change American policy and practice regarding bicycle transportation has to start with a core of cyclists who operate lawfully and competently, in accordance with the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles. This core demonstrates the possibility and practicality, contrary to American belief, of such lawful and competent operation." The following quote is from John Forester, who wrote the book "Effective Cycling," which offers an intelligent discussion of the pros and cons of "vehicular cycling." He states a compelling rationale for cyclists to ride responsibly. Forester writes, "In the context of American society, any organization that attempts to change American policy and practice regarding bicycle transportation has to start with a core of cyclists who operate lawfully and competently, in accordance with the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles. This core demonstrates the possibility and practicality, contrary to American belief, of such lawful and competent operation."

]]> By: Helix http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33241 Helix Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:11:44 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33241 #41 (bike@transalt.org) is quixotic & doesn't get it--you are wrong. Cyclists ARE the victims here. The laws of physics + traffic laws put cyclists in a state of continuous attempted murder/negligent homicide. To require cyclists to always obey all the same traffic laws as cars is morally wrong, impractical, & stupid; breaking them is self-defence & non-violent civil disobedience. That's the bottom line, contrary to Caroline's blather in #38. If the next car who runs me off the road gets a broken window as I ride by, they're lucky I don't have a gun to hit their tires, engine, etc. to disable their lethal weapon & make a citizen's arrest. When the cops start doing their job: ARRESTING (not just citing) drivers who run us off the road (attempted murder), they'll get my respect. When prosecutors & judges follow thru, then the legal system is finally making progress. Until then, they are bullies serving the automobile-centric laws & culture, & part of the problem. Tradition & ignorance is no excuse for obviously wrong policies. I'm not blocking traffic, I AM TRAFFIC. When it's safer to run the light or ride the sidewalk, it should be legal. #41 (bike@transalt.org) is quixotic & doesn't get it--you are wrong. Cyclists ARE the victims here. The laws of physics + traffic laws put cyclists in a state of continuous attempted murder/negligent homicide. To require cyclists to always obey all the same traffic laws as cars is morally wrong, impractical, & stupid; breaking them is self-defence & non-violent civil disobedience. That's the bottom line, contrary to Caroline's blather in #38.

If the next car who runs me off the road gets a broken window as I ride by, they're lucky I don't have a gun to hit their tires, engine, etc. to disable their lethal weapon & make a citizen's arrest. When the cops start doing their job: ARRESTING (not just citing) drivers who run us off the road (attempted murder), they'll get my respect. When prosecutors & judges follow thru, then the legal system is finally making progress.
Until then, they are bullies serving the automobile-centric laws & culture, & part of the problem. Tradition & ignorance is no excuse for obviously wrong policies.
I'm not blocking traffic, I AM TRAFFIC. When it's safer to run the light or ride the sidewalk, it should be legal.

]]> By: John Hunka http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33238 John Hunka Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:03:18 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33238 I suspect that the vast majority of cyclists in NYC are unaware that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law and that they are supposed to follow the rules of the road and traffic regulations. When I lived in Pennsylvania, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia distributed an excellent pamphlet called the "Bicycle Drivers Manual." It was published by Penndot, and it was similar to the manual used to educate people applying for a drivers license. Perhaps such a manual should be written for New York cyclists and distributed by the New York State Department of Transportation. I suspect that the vast majority of cyclists in NYC are unaware that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law and that they are supposed to follow the rules of the road and traffic regulations. When I lived in Pennsylvania, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia distributed an excellent pamphlet called the "Bicycle Drivers Manual." It was published by Penndot, and it was similar to the manual used to educate people applying for a drivers license. Perhaps such a manual should be written for New York cyclists and distributed by the New York State Department of Transportation.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-33229 Anonymous Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:41:28 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/06/26/94th-precinct-to-cyclists-obey-traffic-rules/#comment-33229 In lenghthy post above, meant to say "bicyclists subject to minimum speed limit", not "maximum speed limit." In lenghthy post above, meant to say "bicyclists subject to minimum speed limit", not "maximum speed limit."

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