Comments on: Bikes Are Traffic, Too http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:07:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Emily Litella http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36126 Emily Litella Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:30:29 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36126 Its very easy to hold taxi drivers to account. Simply report the infraction to TLC and a hearing will be held. Be prepared to show up at 40 Rector St about three weeks later to state your case. Simple as that. Save it for the real mean pricks though. A lot of these drivers are agressive because its just the way they operate, according to local custom (right or wrong). Its very easy to hold taxi drivers to account. Simply report the infraction to TLC and a hearing will be held. Be prepared to show up at 40 Rector St about three weeks later to state your case. Simple as that. Save it for the real mean pricks though. A lot of these drivers are agressive because its just the way they operate, according to local custom (right or wrong).

]]> By: mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36093 mike Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:49:25 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36093 I know. In the heat of the moment, I forgot to do so. I know. In the heat of the moment, I forgot to do so.

]]> By: Gwin http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36092 Gwin Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:44:56 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36092 Mike: you should've noted his medallian number and reported him to the TLC. That's what I always do when taxis threaten/harass me when I'm on my bike. Mike: you should’ve noted his medallian number and reported him to the TLC. That’s what I always do when taxis threaten/harass me when I’m on my bike.

]]> By: Steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36088 Steve Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:37:39 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36088 #13, its not just a case of bicyclists complaining like everyone else because they think their transportation instrastructure/experience should be ideal and it isn't. The difference is that motorists and pedestrians get their own space that generally is respected by others, while bicyclsits don't. As I pointed out in #3 above, DoT thinks nothing of closing a major artery for bicyclists without any notice, but will give notice to pedestrians and motorists. The point of the post is to present one of the rare cases where a bicyclists' right-of-way is acknowledged. Here's another example--albeit from the private sector--a "bicyclists' tow-away zone": http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/1214760902/ #13, its not just a case of bicyclists complaining like everyone else because they think their transportation instrastructure/experience should be ideal and it isn’t. The difference is that motorists and pedestrians get their own space that generally is respected by others, while bicyclsits don’t. As I pointed out in #3 above, DoT thinks nothing of closing a major artery for bicyclists without any notice, but will give notice to pedestrians and motorists. The point of the post is to present one of the rare cases where a bicyclists’ right-of-way is acknowledged. Here’s another example–albeit from the private sector–a “bicyclists’ tow-away zone”:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/1214760902/

]]> By: Spud Spudly http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36067 Spud Spudly Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:20:15 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36067 Yes, bikes are traffic too. Which means that just like any other traffic they have to deal with misplaced street signs, unannounced lane closures, road raging dummies and assorted other hazards and headaches. Not that they don't have the right to complain about it... Yes, bikes are traffic too. Which means that just like any other traffic they have to deal with misplaced street signs, unannounced lane closures, road raging dummies and assorted other hazards and headaches.

Not that they don’t have the right to complain about it…

]]> By: rick http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36060 rick Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:44:44 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36060 On Clinton Street in Brooklyn, the sign itself is a road hazard for cyclists; see how it sticks out. Plus, Cars and Trucks park in the bike lane there all the time, just look ahead in the picture. Traffic enforcement would help. I've seen vespas, motorcycles, and even small cars ride in the bike lane on Clinton St; especially when it is alternate side parking day. On Clinton Street in Brooklyn, the sign itself is a road hazard for cyclists; see how it sticks out. Plus, Cars and Trucks park in the bike lane there all the time, just look ahead in the picture. Traffic enforcement would help. I’ve seen vespas, motorcycles, and even small cars ride in the bike lane on Clinton St; especially when it is alternate side parking day.

]]> By: paola http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36052 paola Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:50:58 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36052 These signs are USELESS. How many kazillion signs are on the street?! And how many drivers pay attention to any of them that don't result in a huge ticket? Bloomberg needs to grow a set and tell NYPD to go out and ticket cars for failure to exercise due care, speeding or what ever other offense they're committing when they willfully intimidate (nevermind maim or kill) cyclists. These signs are USELESS. How many kazillion signs are on the street?! And how many drivers pay attention to any of them that don’t result in a huge ticket?

Bloomberg needs to grow a set and tell NYPD to go out and ticket cars for failure to exercise due care, speeding or what ever other offense they’re committing when they willfully intimidate (nevermind maim or kill) cyclists.

]]> By: Peter http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36040 Peter Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:12:05 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36040 Dave, you're right - the Class III bike lane on 5th ave is dicey at best. I'll bet you were heading north and making the left onto Bergen - I've nearly been hit there as well. A lot of drivers in that area don't respect the rules of the road, and will accelerate rather than brake almost every time. Heck, they don't respect pedestrians either - I've nearly been run over on foot several times by drivers accelerating through left turns w/o looking. Dave, you’re right – the Class III bike lane on 5th ave is dicey at best. I’ll bet you were heading north and making the left onto Bergen – I’ve nearly been hit there as well.

A lot of drivers in that area don’t respect the rules of the road, and will accelerate rather than brake almost every time. Heck, they don’t respect pedestrians either – I’ve nearly been run over on foot several times by drivers accelerating through left turns w/o looking.

]]> By: mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36034 mike Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:54:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36034 Again this morning I got honked and yelled at for taking the lane when the bike lane on 6th Ave was closed. Drivers: I know the road far better than you do. Again this morning I got honked and yelled at for taking the lane when the bike lane on 6th Ave was closed. Drivers: I know the road far better than you do.

]]> By: Steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36027 Steve Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:04:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36027 Dave, I think the bike route on 5th Ave in Brooklyn is considered a Class III rather than a Class II route (no painted lane within which cars are not allowed), but either way, you are allowed to make a left turn on any street just as a vehicle would unless there is signage to the contrary. It says so in the NYC cycling map (see "Safety Tips," turning "As A Vehicle"): http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bikemapback2007.pdf Dave, I think the bike route on 5th Ave in Brooklyn is considered a Class III rather than a Class II route (no painted lane within which cars are not allowed), but either way, you are allowed to make a left turn on any street just as a vehicle would unless there is signage to the contrary. It says so in the NYC cycling map (see “Safety Tips,” turning “As A Vehicle”):

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bikemapback2007.pdf

]]> By: Dave http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36026 Dave Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:45:19 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36026 This is only vaguely on topic but after almost getting killed by a large SUV today on Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn, I'm curious: When making a left turn on a road with a Class II bike lane, do you have the right to occupy the road and make cars behind you wait? I pulled out the bike lane today to try and do this and had some space between a SUV a bit behind me, certainly enough for him to stop or slow down and go around me. Instead, he (speeding at around 40mph, probably) held down his horn and, as a spectator even said, seemed to speed up and almost run me over. I jumped out of the way off my bike and was a little shook up. He continued to hold down the horn until he was well past me (music playing loud, by the way). Obviously, he wasn't supposed to speed nor accelerate as he approached me (if he indeed did this), but did I have the right to occupy the lane in order to make a left turn? To be honest, I'm still a bit shook up by the whole thing. This is only vaguely on topic but after almost getting killed by a large SUV today on Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn, I’m curious:

When making a left turn on a road with a Class II bike lane, do you have the right to occupy the road and make cars behind you wait? I pulled out the bike lane today to try and do this and had some space between a SUV a bit behind me, certainly enough for him to stop or slow down and go around me. Instead, he (speeding at around 40mph, probably) held down his horn and, as a spectator even said, seemed to speed up and almost run me over. I jumped out of the way off my bike and was a little shook up. He continued to hold down the horn until he was well past me (music playing loud, by the way).

Obviously, he wasn’t supposed to speed nor accelerate as he approached me (if he indeed did this), but did I have the right to occupy the lane in order to make a left turn? To be honest, I’m still a bit shook up by the whole thing.

]]> By: Mark Fleischmann http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36016 Mark Fleischmann Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:47:43 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36016 Your headline, Bikes Are Traffic Too, sums up something I've felt for a long time -- that using the word traffic to refer exclusively to cars unnecessarily concedes a vital point to the car-mongers. Bikes are traffic too -- and so are pedestrians! Your headline, Bikes Are Traffic Too, sums up something I’ve felt for a long time — that using the word traffic to refer exclusively to cars unnecessarily concedes a vital point to the car-mongers. Bikes are traffic too — and so are pedestrians!

]]> By: Liam http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36012 Liam Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:25:22 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36012 there actually is a sign for the sixth avenue construction. Its about a block and a half before it. Which is probably standard for notifying cars but seems far for bikes. there actually is a sign for the sixth avenue construction. Its about a block and a half before it. Which is probably standard for notifying cars but seems far for bikes.

]]> By: mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36007 mike Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:17:22 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36007 Not only is there one at East 10th and 3rd Ave, but cabbies will honk at you if you take the "regular" lane. This happened to me just today. I explained to him that the bike lane was closed, and he was dismissive, and told me to shut up. TLC, are you reading this? Your drivers are completely ignorant of the traffic laws. Not only is there one at East 10th and 3rd Ave, but cabbies will honk at you if you take the “regular” lane. This happened to me just today. I explained to him that the bike lane was closed, and he was dismissive, and told me to shut up.

TLC, are you reading this? Your drivers are completely ignorant of the traffic laws.

]]> By: Steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-36003 Steve Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:50:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-36003 When the City closed the 63rd Street ramp of the East Side greenway last winter, they failed to notify bicyclists at the prior exit (72nd St.) that they had to exit or carry their bike up the stairs at 63rd. I thought that was pretty shabby treatment and posted some photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/359788151/ The city reopened the 63rd Street ramp and then closed it again a few months later. During the second closure, they posted signs at 72nd street warning wheelchair users that 72nd provided the southermost ramp access to the grid. Now the permanent ramp is in at 63rd, so the problem is solved, but a similar issue of not treating closures affecting bicycle traffic like those affecting motor vehicle traffic. When the City closed the 63rd Street ramp of the East Side greenway last winter, they failed to notify bicyclists at the prior exit (72nd St.) that they had to exit or carry their bike up the stairs at 63rd. I thought that was pretty shabby treatment and posted some photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/359788151/

The city reopened the 63rd Street ramp and then closed it again a few months later. During the second closure, they posted signs at 72nd street warning wheelchair users that 72nd provided the southermost ramp access to the grid.

Now the permanent ramp is in at 63rd, so the problem is solved, but a similar issue of not treating closures affecting bicycle traffic like those affecting motor vehicle traffic.

]]> By: gecko http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-35998 gecko Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:15:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-35998 Not sure if there's a sign but a large dumpster in the bike lane on Fourth Avenue between 12th and 13th streets. Not sure if there’s a sign but a large dumpster in the bike lane on Fourth Avenue between 12th and 13th streets.

]]> By: mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/comment-page-1/#comment-35991 mike Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:56:38 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/22/bikes-are-traffic-too/#comment-35991 The 6th Ave project has had this sign since probably June. There's also one on East 10th and 3rd Ave. The 6th Ave project has had this sign since probably June. There’s also one on East 10th and 3rd Ave.

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