Comments on: Police Slowing Cyclists on Queensborough Bridge http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:07:22 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: JKap http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-62567 JKap Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:29:04 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-62567 Is it illegal to ride on lower level in traffic? I have switched to cars lane in the middle of bridge just to avoid baricades, bully cops and construction workers. Besides, the exit is far more convenient taking me to 2nd ave. Is it illegal to ride on lower level in traffic?
I have switched to cars lane in the middle of bridge just to avoid baricades, bully cops and construction workers.
Besides, the exit is far more convenient taking me to 2nd ave.

]]> By: Andy B from Jersey http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-57777 Andy B from Jersey Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:18:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-57777 So drifting into an empty pedestrian lane on a bridge is a ticketable offense? I'd like to see where that's written into the traffic law. I know no such rule exists in New Jersey and am quite sure it is not covered in the Uniform Vehicle Code either. So drifting into an empty pedestrian lane on a bridge is a ticketable offense? I'd like to see where that's written into the traffic law.

I know no such rule exists in New Jersey and am quite sure it is not covered in the Uniform Vehicle Code either.

]]> By: Andy Trafford http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-57763 Andy Trafford Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:21:51 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-57763 He was there again today... He didn't stop me, but I slowed down and heard him ticking off a couple of cyclists. "Why were you riding in the pedestrian lane? What makes you think you can just ignore the rules?" By coincidence I'd just had a conversation with a traffic cop about cyclists running red lights. I was stopped and two cyclists ran the light right in front of the cop. I turned and asked "Do any of 'em obey the law?" and he replied "No, nobody does." So you can get away with running red lights but you can't drift into the wrong lane. How's that for consistency? Thanks NYPD. And of course, once I got up to St Nicholas Ave, the bike lane and the sidewalk were totally obstructed by cop cars. I should have stopped and told them off for being in the wrong lane. He was there again today... He didn't stop me, but I slowed down and heard him ticking off a couple of cyclists. "Why were you riding in the pedestrian lane? What makes you think you can just ignore the rules?" By coincidence I'd just had a conversation with a traffic cop about cyclists running red lights. I was stopped and two cyclists ran the light right in front of the cop. I turned and asked "Do any of 'em obey the law?" and he replied "No, nobody does." So you can get away with running red lights but you can't drift into the wrong lane. How's that for consistency? Thanks NYPD. And of course, once I got up to St Nicholas Ave, the bike lane and the sidewalk were totally obstructed by cop cars. I should have stopped and told them off for being in the wrong lane.

]]> By: Pav http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-57725 Pav Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:29:47 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-57725 Just today the same fat annoying cop who puts up the stupid cone barricades and acts like a total prick was pulling people over on his moped and warning them not to ride in the pedestrian lane. I was one of those people. He chewed me out for "only caring about myself" apparently. As I was going past other bikers and needed to swerve into the pedestrian lane to avoid them (not causing any dangerous situation in relation to the peds), I became totally furious. This guy is a complete dick, and no one should be nice to him even if he's just doing his job. People should be more careful on both sides, the bikers and peds should be more vigilant of their surrounding and accept that we live in a very crowded city and where we can't have all the freedom and space that we'd like. Just today the same fat annoying cop who puts up the stupid cone barricades and acts like a total prick was pulling people over on his moped and warning them not to ride in the pedestrian lane. I was one of those people.

He chewed me out for "only caring about myself" apparently. As I was going past other bikers and needed to swerve into the pedestrian lane to avoid them (not causing any dangerous situation in relation to the peds), I became totally furious. This guy is a complete dick, and no one should be nice to him even if he's just doing his job.

People should be more careful on both sides, the bikers and peds should be more vigilant of their surrounding and accept that we live in a very crowded city and where we can't have all the freedom and space that we'd like.

]]> By: Marty Furlong http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-57562 Marty Furlong Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:12:16 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-57562 The Bridge issue is still gaining attention and interest, as recognized by the Daily News last week. http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/10/09/2008-10-09_a_bridge_path_to_peril_cop_cars_hazard_o-2.html The Bridge issue is still gaining attention and interest, as recognized by the Daily News last week.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/10/09/2008-10-09_a_bridge_path_to_peril_cop_cars_hazard_o-2.html

]]> By: Andy Trafford http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-57523 Andy Trafford Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:30:13 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-57523 That long straight downhill heading into Queens isn't exactly designed for controlling speed.... Even just freewheeling you can clock up some silly speed. If the path were JUST for bikes I'd be OK with it, but that kind of speed around peds is a bad idea all around. I'd add a couple of chicanes and some "use your brakes" signs. That long straight downhill heading into Queens isn't exactly designed for controlling speed.... Even just freewheeling you can clock up some silly speed. If the path were JUST for bikes I'd be OK with it, but that kind of speed around peds is a bad idea all around. I'd add a couple of chicanes and some "use your brakes" signs.

]]> By: BicyclesOnly http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-57511 BicyclesOnly Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:39:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-57511 Forgive me if I am raising an issue already covered in this long string, but isn't there a first question we have to ask: what is the speed limit on the Q'bo Bridge for bicyclists? I don't recall there being any limit posted. If that's the case, then the limit is 30 MPH. Very, very few bicyclists would achieve that speed except near groun level at either side of the span, and then only if they intended to. Is that where the NYPD is conducting this enforcement? Or is it near the apex of the span? Forgive me if I am raising an issue already covered in this long string, but isn't there a first question we have to ask: what is the speed limit on the Q'bo Bridge for bicyclists? I don't recall there being any limit posted. If that's the case, then the limit is 30 MPH. Very, very few bicyclists would achieve that speed except near groun level at either side of the span, and then only if they intended to. Is that where the NYPD is conducting this enforcement? Or is it near the apex of the span?

]]> By: Erin http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-56784 Erin Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:05:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-56784 Hey, this isn't about egos, or about supposedly reckless cyclists. People who ride a lot ride faster, and they should be able to. Cycling is a form of transportation, afterall. It's an improvement on walking in that you get places you need to go faster. Why should cyclists have to slow down to walking speed? That is simply retarded. Just because a biker rides faster than you do, doesn't mean she (in my case, because if I'm riding around I'm riding pretty fast) or he is riding recklessly. Sorry to bruise YOUR ego by passing you carefully on the left, while probably even saying "on your left". Now, concerning the stupid banter about bikes running lights. There are, as far as I'm concerned, two extremely valid reasons for slowing down, looking both ways, and continuing through the red in NYC: 1) Stopping and re-starting is a real pain in the neck and the signal timing, or lack thereof it seems, makes us hit a lot of lights in parts of town. 2) ((DRUM ROLL)) The farther I get from the cars, the better. If I get a little bit ahead, they're less likely to turn right into me while I'm going straight, they're less likely to honk at me while they accelerate, they're less likely to hit me in general because the distance between me and them is greater. I'm protecting my own damn self because no one else is watching out for me. Waiting at the lights when nothing is coming perpendicularly is LESS safe than just proceeding carefully. Why don't more people discuss this? Hey, this isn't about egos, or about supposedly reckless cyclists. People who ride a lot ride faster, and they should be able to. Cycling is a form of transportation, afterall. It's an improvement on walking in that you get places you need to go faster. Why should cyclists have to slow down to walking speed? That is simply retarded. Just because a biker rides faster than you do, doesn't mean she (in my case, because if I'm riding around I'm riding pretty fast) or he is riding recklessly. Sorry to bruise YOUR ego by passing you carefully on the left, while probably even saying "on your left".

Now, concerning the stupid banter about bikes running lights. There are, as far as I'm concerned, two extremely valid reasons for slowing down, looking both ways, and continuing through the red in NYC: 1) Stopping and re-starting is a real pain in the neck and the signal timing, or lack thereof it seems, makes us hit a lot of lights in parts of town. 2) ((DRUM ROLL)) The farther I get from the cars, the better. If I get a little bit ahead, they're less likely to turn right into me while I'm going straight, they're less likely to honk at me while they accelerate, they're less likely to hit me in general because the distance between me and them is greater. I'm protecting my own damn self because no one else is watching out for me. Waiting at the lights when nothing is coming perpendicularly is LESS safe than just proceeding carefully. Why don't more people discuss this?

]]> By: Police State Hater http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-2/#comment-56674 Police State Hater Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:15:24 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-56674 Speaking of police/cyclist antagonism, the cops are also stopping cyclists trying to go up 1st Ave for the stupid UN thingie. Why can't they just put a bike lane next to the sidewalk along the left side? Gotta love their flexed muscle. Speaking of police/cyclist antagonism, the cops are also stopping cyclists trying to go up 1st Ave for the stupid UN thingie. Why can't they just put a bike lane next to the sidewalk along the left side? Gotta love their flexed muscle.

]]> By: JK http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-56629 JK Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:22:19 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-56629 The lane markings are counter productive. They create a dangerous sense of territoriality. Better would be either nothing, or directional arrows on the pavement and Shared Path signs. Traffic calming is based on creating a sense of shared or "negotiated" space. You divide roadways with lane dividers when you want to increase capacity, and decrease uncertainty. But uncertainty is good if it forces fast travelers (motorists or cyclists) to slow down around slow travelers. New York City is especially hard because many cyclists do ride rudely and there is an endless supply of pedestrians who have never been on a the bridges or bike paths and are not very aware. The lane markings are counter productive. They create a dangerous sense of territoriality. Better would be either nothing, or directional arrows on the pavement and Shared Path signs. Traffic calming is based on creating a sense of shared or "negotiated" space. You divide roadways with lane dividers when you want to increase capacity, and decrease uncertainty. But uncertainty is good if it forces fast travelers (motorists or cyclists) to slow down around slow travelers. New York City is especially hard because many cyclists do ride rudely and there is an endless supply of pedestrians who have never been on a the bridges or bike paths and are not very aware.

]]> By: recycled http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-56565 recycled Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:55:17 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-56565 I use the 59th st bridge frequently to bike and run and I have to say that many of the bikers are inconsiderate and riding way to fast on a shared roadway. If the cops are making you late for work, leave extra time. In todays world everyone has me me me on their minds which is the problem. I have seen those signs posted when the workers are on the bridge which say to dismount and walk and if no cop is around, no one obeys that. I have seen people struck on that bridge while trying to enjoy the view. I have spoken to the cops who are working that zone and so far it is temporary until the bridge painting is complete. The cops are there because the workers a nervous when the bikes are going warp speed in all different directions when they are trying to get where thay have to go to work. As a biker I am embarrassed by some of my fellow bikers behavior both with the cops and pedestrians. As a runner, I get pissed when bikers are coming at me in the pedestrian lane and disobeying the pavement markings. If we want to get anywhere on a bike we have to remember safety first. Drop the ego's and save the speed for safer roadways or parks. I have also seen a cop on the bridge move his cones around numerous times to try and slow the bikes down, is there really a right way to do it? I guess you cannot make everyone happy! Enjoy the riding and be safe. End of rant! I use the 59th st bridge frequently to bike and run and I have to say that many of the bikers are inconsiderate and riding way to fast on a shared roadway. If the cops are making you late for work, leave extra time. In todays world everyone has me me me on their minds which is the problem. I have seen those signs posted when the workers are on the bridge which say to dismount and walk and if no cop is around, no one obeys that. I have seen people struck on that bridge while trying to enjoy the view. I have spoken to the cops who are working that zone and so far it is temporary until the bridge painting is complete. The cops are there because the workers a nervous when the bikes are going warp speed in all different directions when they are trying to get where thay have to go to work. As a biker I am embarrassed by some of my fellow bikers behavior both with the cops and pedestrians. As a runner, I get pissed when bikers are coming at me in the pedestrian lane and disobeying the pavement markings. If we want to get anywhere on a bike we have to remember safety first. Drop the ego's and save the speed for safer roadways or parks. I have also seen a cop on the bridge move his cones around numerous times to try and slow the bikes down, is there really a right way to do it? I guess you cannot make everyone happy! Enjoy the riding and be safe. End of rant!

]]> By: Doc Barnett http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-56053 Doc Barnett Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:29:05 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-56053 "set up baricade of cones in the S shape, so that bikes couldnt get thru simply by virtue of their lenght. people had to carry the bike over the cones" In the event that there is an immediate and non-hysterical public safety problem (which may not be the case here), that's exactly the right thing to do. It's far better than putting up "dismount" signs that will be ignored by nearly everyone (and that are often inconsistent depending on the direction of travel—financial district greenways I'm talking to you). Those only serve to pit people against one another. If the rule is going to be to dismount, make it happen. And then once all cyclists are actually going through that rigamarole, the rule-makers will see that they've gone too far, that frequent dismounting is not the answer for bicycling as safe and healthy transportation. What the rule should be, and the design must encourage, is <i>going slow and being considerate</i> on mixed paths. The rest is just tribalism and chest beating. "set up baricade of cones in the S shape, so that bikes couldnt get thru simply by virtue of their lenght. people had to carry the bike over the cones"

In the event that there is an immediate and non-hysterical public safety problem (which may not be the case here), that's exactly the right thing to do. It's far better than putting up "dismount" signs that will be ignored by nearly everyone (and that are often inconsistent depending on the direction of travel—financial district greenways I'm talking to you). Those only serve to pit people against one another.

If the rule is going to be to dismount, make it happen. And then once all cyclists are actually going through that rigamarole, the rule-makers will see that they've gone too far, that frequent dismounting is not the answer for bicycling as safe and healthy transportation. What the rule should be, and the design must encourage, is going slow and being considerate on mixed paths. The rest is just tribalism and chest beating.

]]> By: Yes http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-56044 Yes Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:19:06 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-56044 Cap'n - the article is about a MUP, not about auto traffic. Stay on topic, please. Cap'n - the article is about a MUP, not about auto traffic. Stay on topic, please.

]]> By: Cap'n Transit http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55973 Cap'n Transit Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:33:16 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55973 Kevin, please, say all you want against reckless bicycle riders. We all agree; I don't notice anyone defending them in this post. But I don't hear you saying anything about reckless drivers, who are a problem all over Brooklyn and Queens. When you help to focus the attention disproportionately on cyclists, you serve the forces of reaction. Kevin, please, say all you want against reckless bicycle riders. We all agree; I don't notice anyone defending them in this post. But I don't hear you saying anything about reckless drivers, who are a problem all over Brooklyn and Queens. When you help to focus the attention disproportionately on cyclists, you serve the forces of reaction.

]]> By: Kevin Walsh http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55971 Kevin Walsh Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:48:30 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55971 "He doesn't seem to recognize that one of the major forces responsible for the destruction of much of old New York architecture is car culture, or that bicycle culture can be a force for good in the fight for conservation."" Ouch...lord forfend I say something against reckless bicycle riders. I ride myself, and I obey lights and traffic regs, and go very carefully on bridges when there are pedestrians sharing the lane. Guess i'm a sucker or uncool or something. OK, call me a reactionary... www.forgotten-ny.com "He doesn't seem to recognize that one of the major forces responsible for the destruction of much of old New York architecture is car culture, or that bicycle culture can be a force for good in the fight for conservation.""

Ouch...lord forfend I say something against reckless bicycle riders. I ride myself, and I obey lights and traffic regs, and go very carefully on bridges when there are pedestrians sharing the lane. Guess i'm a sucker or uncool or something.

OK, call me a reactionary...

http://www.forgotten-ny.com

]]> By: JKap http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55942 JKap Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:37:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55942 the cops are really turning screws on queensboro. there was a seriously dumb cop today, I mean a real retard in a uniform. he set up baricade of cones in the S shape, so that bikes couldnt get thru simply by virtue of their lenght. people had to carry the bike over the cones. can we have some cop jokes please????? the cops are really turning screws on queensboro.
there was a seriously dumb cop today, I mean a real retard in a uniform.
he set up baricade of cones in the S shape, so that bikes couldnt get thru simply by virtue of their lenght. people had to carry the bike over the cones.
can we have some cop jokes please?????

]]> By: Mark B. http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55474 Mark B. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:56:19 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55474 They were counting this morning? I just got the "slow down it's a construction zone" as I rode by a construction truck with the cop and cones right on the other side... I kinda like being counted... double plus bonus if I'm being counted while I'm on a bike! They were counting this morning? I just got the "slow down it's a construction zone" as I rode by a construction truck with the cop and cones right on the other side...

I kinda like being counted... double plus bonus if I'm being counted while I'm on a bike!

]]> By: JK http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55454 JK Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:32:32 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55454 FRIDAY MORNING: POLICE COUNTING HOW MANY BIKES PASS BY. SOMETHING IS UP... IS ANYBODY AWARE OF ANY UPCOMING LEGISLATION??? INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS? PERMITS? TAXES? ETC. FRIDAY MORNING:

POLICE COUNTING HOW MANY BIKES PASS BY.

SOMETHING IS UP...

IS ANYBODY AWARE OF ANY UPCOMING LEGISLATION???

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS? PERMITS? TAXES? ETC.

]]> By: Cap'n Transit http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55411 Cap'n Transit Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:09:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55411 <blockquote>Yeah, they SHOULD make it available to bikes. Leave one side for peds, one for bikes, - Problem Solved!</blockquote> I agree that there should be more room for cyclists and pedestrians, Phil, but let's put them on the Upper Roadway and give the Outer "Roadways" <a href="http://capntransit.blogspot.com/2008/08/queens-boulevard-trolleys-another-way.html" rel="nofollow">back to the trolleys</a>.

Yeah, they SHOULD make it available to bikes. Leave one side for peds, one for bikes, - Problem Solved!

I agree that there should be more room for cyclists and pedestrians, Phil, but let's put them on the Upper Roadway and give the Outer "Roadways" back to the trolleys.

]]> By: Phil http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/08/14/police-slowing-cyclists-on-queensborough-bridge/comment-page-1/#comment-55410 Phil Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:59:22 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/?p=4400#comment-55410 Yesterday all hell broke loose in the afternoon rush - some kind of accident or incident involving 2 or 3 vehicles on the south side path....glad to see cars are making such good use of it...groan Yeah, they SHOULD make it available to bikes. Leave one side for peds, one for bikes, - Problem Solved! Also, check out the Williamsburg Bridge - they have same type of path with center line, but bikes stay right, peds stay left. This way you face each other....works for me. Yesterday all hell broke loose in the afternoon rush - some kind of accident or incident involving 2 or 3 vehicles on the south side path....glad to see cars are making such good use of it...groan

Yeah, they SHOULD make it available to bikes. Leave one side for peds, one for bikes, - Problem Solved!

Also, check out the Williamsburg Bridge - they have same type of path with center line, but bikes stay right, peds stay left. This way you face each other....works for me.

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