Comments on: A Ride Down NYC’s “Street of the Future” http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:31:30 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38088 steve Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:04:16 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38088 The 9th Ave. cycle track is turning into something of a tourist attraction. We visited there yesterday and ran into several other bicyclists who were doing the same thing. A few observations: 1) Construction is proceeding along nicely. DoT has begun the raised median/island at the 23rd St. entrance to the track, and it appears that the median will be extended south soon. Here's a picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/1515481773/ 2) DoT has also recent insalled a slew of CityRacks at the curb along the track, averaging one rack every 20' (about 50-70 racks long a 7 block stretch). If it is DoT's plan to systematically saturate all bike lanes and paths along with grid with this level of bike parking, then Hallelujah, but if this treatment is reserved for the cycle track, then I think it is a mis-allocation of CityRacks. Here's a picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/1515481801/in/photostream/ 3) Shortly after entering the track at 23rd, we found we were being followed by a livery. He knew he was in a place he did not belong and he exited at 22nd. The lack of signage warning motorists not to enter the track is a serious problem. DoT has erected interim parking regulation signs on the buffer, so it should be able to erect interim "bikes only" signs as well. Failure to do so increases the risk that someone will be seriously injured or killed. 4) There were quite a few bicyclists riding couter-flow in the track. I really wish people would not do this. C'mon folks, there is an uptown buffered lane on 8th Ave.--don't be lazy! The 9th Ave. cycle track is turning into something of a tourist attraction. We visited there yesterday and ran into several other bicyclists who were doing the same thing.

A few observations:

1) Construction is proceeding along nicely. DoT has begun the raised median/island at the 23rd St. entrance to the track, and it appears that the median will be extended south soon. Here's a picture:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/1515481773/

2) DoT has also recent insalled a slew of CityRacks at the curb along the track, averaging one rack every 20' (about 50-70 racks long a 7 block stretch). If it is DoT's plan to systematically saturate all bike lanes and paths along with grid with this level of bike parking, then Hallelujah, but if this treatment is reserved for the cycle track, then I think it is a mis-allocation of CityRacks. Here's a picture:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43954081@N00/1515481801/in/photostream/

3) Shortly after entering the track at 23rd, we found we were being followed by a livery. He knew he was in a place he did not belong and he exited at 22nd. The lack of signage warning motorists not to enter the track is a serious problem. DoT has erected interim parking regulation signs on the buffer, so it should be able to erect interim "bikes only" signs as well. Failure to do so increases the risk that someone will be seriously injured or killed.

4) There were quite a few bicyclists riding couter-flow in the track. I really wish people would not do this. C'mon folks, there is an uptown buffered lane on 8th Ave.--don't be lazy!

]]> By: glavo http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38060 glavo Sat, 06 Oct 2007 04:33:51 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38060 its a great start. i made a special trip to the new 9th ave bike lane on Thursdays night. it was nice to be able to look at the restaurants and store along the route, since i didn't have to keep a wary eye out for being doored. very nice ride! i did come across a couple cars and limos that had invaded the bike lane . the nj limo driver questioned my photo of him , he was saying he was discharging a passenger , but the car was empty. he was over bs with other drivers. i need to find ways to file complaints against the NJ taxi and omnibus drivers. i let my guard down and was almost doored at the end of the separated bike lane. A taxi had pulled over into the zebra stripes and discharged the passengers into the bike lane. the false sense of security i had previously due to the plastic poles were missing on the final block below 15 street. some photos 9th ave cars and then i circled around the block to ride it another time. i ran into a lot of cars parked and a film crew blocking the northbound 8 ave bike lane http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=sets its a great start. i made a special trip to the new 9th ave bike lane on Thursdays night. it was nice to be able to look at the restaurants and store along the route, since i didn't have to keep a wary eye out for being doored. very nice ride! i did come across a couple cars and limos that had invaded the bike lane . the nj limo driver questioned my photo of him , he was saying he was discharging a passenger , but the car was empty. he was over bs with other drivers.
i need to find ways to file complaints against the NJ taxi and omnibus drivers. i let my guard down and was almost doored at the end of the separated bike lane. A taxi had pulled over into the zebra stripes and discharged the passengers into the bike lane. the false sense of security i had previously due to the plastic poles were missing on the final block below 15 street.
some photos 9th ave cars and then i circled around the block to ride it another time. i ran into a lot of cars parked and a film crew blocking the northbound 8 ave bike lane
http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=sets

]]> By: steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38056 steve Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:33:59 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38056 I think you'll do better with signs up stating trucks not allowed. I hope DoT gets this and erects not only the customary "Bike Lane- Bike Only" but also "No Trucks Allowed" I think you'll do better with signs up stating trucks not allowed. I hope DoT gets this and erects not only the customary "Bike Lane- Bike Only" but also "No Trucks Allowed"

]]> By: Mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38053 Mike Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:46:41 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38053 Actually, there are no markings indicating that it's a bike path at all -- no signs, and not even bicycle stencils on the pavement. The only stencils are arrows. I did tell the drivers they weren't supposed to be there; none of them seemed to care. The Rite Aid driver said he'd be happy to park across the street if I'd carry his deliveries across the street for him. Actually, there are no markings indicating that it's a bike path at all -- no signs, and not even bicycle stencils on the pavement. The only stencils are arrows.

I did tell the drivers they weren't supposed to be there; none of them seemed to care. The Rite Aid driver said he'd be happy to park across the street if I'd carry his deliveries across the street for him.

]]> By: steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38052 steve Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:24:38 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38052 Trucks are known to drive on off-street paths like this one. It happens on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge with regularity, and on the East Side Greenway south of 34th Street. Yes, we need official enforcement, but bicyclists shoudl use direct action as well. They shoudl engage the truck drivers politely but firmly and explain to them that they can't drive there any more. Are there signs stating "bicycles only"? Trucks are known to drive on off-street paths like this one. It happens on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge with regularity, and on the East Side Greenway south of 34th Street. Yes, we need official enforcement, but bicyclists shoudl use direct action as well. They shoudl engage the truck drivers politely but firmly and explain to them that they can't drive there any more. Are there signs stating "bicycles only"?

]]> By: Gargamel Tralfaz http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38050 Gargamel Tralfaz Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:57:34 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38050 Colossal failure? DOT experimenting with new separated bike lane designs even if was a colossal failure - and it is not - is the biggest success NYC has had in FOREVER! Colossal failure? DOT experimenting with new separated bike lane designs even if was a colossal failure - and it is not - is the biggest success NYC has had in FOREVER!

]]> By: Mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38046 Mike Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:20:15 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38046 I just went out for a look; there were 4 trucks parked in the bike path, blithely loading and unloading. This bike path is too wide; it encourages vehicular traffic. The only viable solution is to put bollards on every single block so they can't get through. (Emergency vehicles could be equipped with transponders to lower the bollards.) Otherwise it will be a colossal failure. I just went out for a look; there were 4 trucks parked in the bike path, blithely loading and unloading.

This bike path is too wide; it encourages vehicular traffic. The only viable solution is to put bollards on every single block so they can't get through. (Emergency vehicles could be equipped with transponders to lower the bollards.) Otherwise it will be a colossal failure.

]]> By: gecko http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38032 gecko Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:57:30 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38032 There's a post on Streetsblog somewhere from a messenger who describes how this type of lane (cycle track) will probably slow him down since he has to negotiate the slower cyclists and being out in traffic is a lot faster though obviously a lot more dangerous. This is where express routes and technology like those provided by an agile monorail system with hybrid human-electric vehicles can have direct application. There's a post on Streetsblog somewhere from a messenger who describes how this type of lane (cycle track) will probably slow him down since he has to negotiate the slower cyclists and being out in traffic is a lot faster though obviously a lot more dangerous.

This is where express routes and technology like those provided by an agile monorail system with hybrid human-electric vehicles can have direct application.

]]> By: Cousin Al http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38028 Cousin Al Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:31:48 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38028 I just rode the new bike lane for the first time. It's short, but sweet. I love things that bring back the simple joy of going on a bike ride. It was great because cars can't double park in the bike lane, like they do everywhere else. I did observe a bike messenger riding in the middle of traffic, not using the new bike lane. I figured that he must have been going more than the few blocks it covers. It was very nice to be out of the door zone, too. I hope they expand this new design of bike lanes and make them with more permanent dividers. I just rode the new bike lane for the first time. It's short, but sweet. I love things that bring back the simple joy of going on a bike ride. It was great because cars can't double park in the bike lane, like they do everywhere else. I did observe a bike messenger riding in the middle of traffic, not using the new bike lane. I figured that he must have been going more than the few blocks it covers. It was very nice to be out of the door zone, too. I hope they expand this new design of bike lanes and make them with more permanent dividers.

]]> By: Mark4 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38023 Mark4 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:13:32 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38023 Why isn't that kid wearing a helmet? Why isn't that kid wearing a helmet?

]]> By: John http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-38005 John Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:17:44 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-38005 I rode it today and had to dodge 2 cars!. Hopefully it's just a temporary adjustment period.... I rode it today and had to dodge 2 cars!. Hopefully it's just a temporary adjustment period....

]]> By: steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37999 steve Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:09:44 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37999 Bink, it's seven blocks long. Just over 1/4 a mile. Symbolically, it's huge. In reality, it's pokey. Bink, it's seven blocks long. Just over 1/4 a mile. Symbolically, it's huge. In reality, it's pokey.

]]> By: Bink http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37996 Bink Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:51:55 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37996 Love it. I'm not a New Yorker, how many blocks long is it? Or kilometers long, or miles long, or songs long...? Love it. I'm not a New Yorker, how many blocks long is it? Or kilometers long, or miles long, or songs long...?

]]> By: flp http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37995 flp Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:48:15 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37995 indeed, the speed by which this plan came to fruition is un-F'ing-believable!!!!! alas, when i rode there is PM, i scolded a woman yapping on her cell phone that this is a bike lane, NOT a sidewalk. all she could muster was the blankest gaze. i am sure we will see more than a few of those in the coming weeks and months. argh! indeed, the speed by which this plan came to fruition is un-F'ing-believable!!!!!

alas, when i rode there is PM, i scolded a woman yapping on her cell phone that this is a bike lane, NOT a sidewalk. all she could muster was the blankest gaze. i am sure we will see more than a few of those in the coming weeks and months. argh!

]]> By: steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37993 steve Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:45:28 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37993 Andy B.: Does John Pucher have an opinion on this? Andy B.: Does John Pucher have an opinion on this?

]]> By: Mike K. http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37991 Mike K. Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:06:12 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37991 Andy B: I'm guessing it's on the left side of the road because the right side of the road is for buses. It could cause some problems with people stepping out across the bike lane in order to access the bus stop. Also, the unseparated bike lane that it connects to is also on the left side for presumably the same reason. Andy B:

I'm guessing it's on the left side of the road because the right side of the road is for buses. It could cause some problems with people stepping out across the bike lane in order to access the bus stop. Also, the unseparated bike lane that it connects to is also on the left side for presumably the same reason.

]]> By: Andy B from Jersey http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37990 Andy B from Jersey Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:01:23 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37990 Very impressive that it was done within weeks of the unveiling of the design. Unfortunately it is still, its on the wrong side of the road! Couldn't find anyone on the APBP (Assoc. Ped. Bike Pros) list-serve who thought that left-side bike-lanes on one-way streets was a good idea except in VERY rare circumstances. Very impressive that it was done within weeks of the unveiling of the design.

Unfortunately it is still, its on the wrong side of the road! Couldn't find anyone on the APBP (Assoc. Ped. Bike Pros) list-serve who thought that left-side bike-lanes on one-way streets was a good idea except in VERY rare circumstances.

]]> By: erik http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37981 erik Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:54:07 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37981 Fan-freaking-tastic! Separated is the way to go on the avenues... the big benefit is that is strongly discourages the double parking syndrome so near and dear to New Yorkers' hearts. i can't wait to see the first green-colored, separated lanes! Fan-freaking-tastic! Separated is the way to go on the avenues... the big benefit is that is strongly discourages the double parking syndrome so near and dear to New Yorkers' hearts. i can't wait to see the first green-colored, separated lanes!

]]> By: Ian D http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37971 Ian D Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:30:38 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37971 Hallelujah! I was bike riding in Copenhagen yesterday... and like always, dreaming of New York ever grabbing the bull by the horns (or the bike by the handles)... I'm getting on my bike now to have a look! And as always, thanks for putting it on film for us, Clarence! And has anyone noticed all the butterflies that have been attracted to the plants in the new plaza at 14th St. and Ninth Ave.? Just a few months ago, it was exhaust fumes and honking... now flowers, butterflies, and people. Hallelujah!

I was bike riding in Copenhagen yesterday... and like always, dreaming of New York ever grabbing the bull by the horns (or the bike by the handles)...

I'm getting on my bike now to have a look! And as always, thanks for putting it on film for us, Clarence!

And has anyone noticed all the butterflies that have been attracted to the plants in the new plaza at 14th St. and Ninth Ave.? Just a few months ago, it was exhaust fumes and honking... now flowers, butterflies, and people.

]]> By: steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/comment-page-1/#comment-37968 steve Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:57:06 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/10/04/streetfilms-nycs-first-legit-on-street-cycle-track/#comment-37968 Momos, I often ride with my 9 y/o son in on-street lanes, but I will only bring my 5 y/o daughter onto separated paths (or the CP Loop during car-free hours). I sometimes see parents with dangerously large kids in rear-mounted child seats or tag-a-longs (removable tandem attachments) in on-street lanes. I'm sure some of those parents would take the next step and allow the kids to ride along on their own bikes if cycle tracks like this were more broadly available. Here's one kid's view on the subject (and on the subject of the pedestrian block discussed below): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVYxpanvjEE There are many different ways of promoting everyday cycling in NYC and they are not mutually exclusive, but the one that I like to focus on is getting more cycling families out on the road. Doing so creates at least three "virtuous cycles" that help reinforce cycling: (1) the parents are sure to be ferocious advocates for improved cycling infrastructure and safety once their own kids' safety is at stake, (2) the kids will themselves becomes cyclists and perhaps advocates for cycling, and (3) increased prevalence of cycling famlies helps urban cycling shed its "weirdo" image. And all this is in addition to the enhanced "safety in numbers" effect of cycling families bring, due to the fact that they travel in small groups and therefore are even more visible, and (in my experience) inspire greater safety-consciousness among motorists than the typical lone, male cyclist. All reasons to expand the cycle track program! ddartley, I hear you on traffic calming but I have always believed it is important to keep the promotion of bicycle infrastructure and traffic calming separate. Both are worthy efforts but sometimes the optimal bike infrastructure does not necessarily calm traffic. For example, in the case of the DoT's plan to establish an eastbound route on the Upper East Side, the optimal plan would have the route run through a block now closed to traffic on East 91st between Second and Third Avenues. I would not claim that this plan would "calm" traffic on the block, but neither will it materially increase it or the present any serious danger to pedestrian users of that block. See the video above for details. Momos, I often ride with my 9 y/o son in on-street lanes, but I will only bring my 5 y/o daughter onto separated paths (or the CP Loop during car-free hours). I sometimes see parents with dangerously large kids in rear-mounted child seats or tag-a-longs (removable tandem attachments) in on-street lanes. I'm sure some of those parents would take the next step and allow the kids to ride along on their own bikes if cycle tracks like this were more broadly available. Here's one kid's view on the subject (and on the subject of the pedestrian block discussed below):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVYxpanvjEE

There are many different ways of promoting everyday cycling in NYC and they are not mutually exclusive, but the one that I like to focus on is getting more cycling families out on the road. Doing so creates at least three "virtuous cycles" that help reinforce cycling: (1) the parents are sure to be ferocious advocates for improved cycling infrastructure and safety once their own kids' safety is at stake, (2) the kids will themselves becomes cyclists and perhaps advocates for cycling, and (3) increased prevalence of cycling famlies helps urban cycling shed its "weirdo" image. And all this is in addition to the enhanced "safety in numbers" effect of cycling families bring, due to the fact that they travel in small groups and therefore are even more visible, and (in my experience) inspire greater safety-consciousness among motorists than the typical lone, male cyclist. All reasons to expand the cycle track program!

ddartley, I hear you on traffic calming but I have always believed it is important to keep the promotion of bicycle infrastructure and traffic calming separate. Both are worthy efforts but sometimes the optimal bike infrastructure does not necessarily calm traffic. For example, in the case of the DoT's plan to establish an eastbound route on the Upper East Side, the optimal plan would have the route run through a block now closed to traffic on East 91st between Second and Third Avenues. I would not claim that this plan would "calm" traffic on the block, but neither will it materially increase it or the present any serious danger to pedestrian users of that block. See the video above for details.

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