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Word On The Street
“This may very well be the tipping point. When the top politicians in NYC actually understand what it's like to ride a bike in the City, you know they'll actually put some political support to improving conditions.”
– J In response to "Today's Headlines"
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Eric McClure
Yeah, I sometimes take perverse pleasure in reading the nonsense in the News and Post (yes, so I can feel smug, it’s true), but I hate giving them the clicks. Maybe Streetsblog could start copying and pasting the content rather than driving traffic that they wholly don’t deserve. Fair use for non-commercial purposes?
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Steven Vance
What the hell is normal speed?
in response to Motorist Havoc: Two Dead, Five Hurt, Kids in Critical Condition, No Charges
kate
I have to say, I once rode through a huge traffic jam (people waiting to get into the Lincoln Tunnel) and a woman yelled at me that I was insane. There I was, riding freely through towards the River, and she was completely stuck on a hot summer night. Who was the crazy one?
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
car free nation
Overall, I’m happy with this plan, but disappointed that we are keeping three lanes north of Union Street. Basically to accommodate 2 hours of toll-shoppers, we’re providing a dangerous opportunity to speed for the remaining 22. At night, this area is home to many bars and drunk people as well, so speeding cars pose an even greater danger than they normally would.
The irony of it is that the bottleneck is not caused by the narrowness of fourth avenue between Union and Atlantic, but rather by the chokepoint of the bridge much further downstream. Had DOT reduced this section to two lanes, the “backup” would have extended farther, but the amount of time to get to a destination would not have changed. It seems more of a public relations decision rather than an efficiency decision. Even if the same volume of cars was backed up to a greater distance and the cars moved just as fast, it would appear as if DOT had created a problem, rather than solved one.
In any case, the overall solution will save lives, and this is a good thing.
in response to In Bay Ridge and Park Slope, Fourth Ave Traffic Calming Moves Forward
Kate
It’s absurd to think people don’t hoard parking spaces because of alternate- side-of-the-street parking, at least in my neighborhood where the cops turn a blind eye to the blocks-long double parking that occurs during those hours. The same cars are in the same spaces for months at a time. I park my car in a garage but can never even get an overnight spot on the street because of the ‘free’ street parking. I would be perfectly willing to pay to park on the street. I don’t feel that I am entitled to a space, and I am completely thrilled that bike share will be getting their share of the street.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Mark Walker
Truly life-changing ideas and truly effective advocates prove their mettle by the quantity (high) and quality (low) of attacks on them. Ineffectual ones are unworthy of attack. So congrats to PSW and the folks who made Bikeshare happen.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Anonymous
It would be nice if streetsblog stopped linking to anti-bike clickbait. You’re just feeding the trolls.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Anonymous
I live in Crown Heights and spend a fair amount of time next door in Prospect Heights where the cab struck the bicyclist. Let me tell you These liverly cabs fly down Eastern Parkway like bats out of hell. Stop lights and speed pints are optional to them. They routinely change lanes without signaling in order to pick up illegal fares. The NYPD is content to let them drive around like maniacs. The short version of my rant is these cabs are a danger to everyone.
in response to Motorist Havoc: Two Dead, Five Hurt, Kids in Critical Condition, No Charges
Jesse
I wish my bike had a car horn so I could lay on it every time I’m stuck behind a traffic jam of cars.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
J
This NYDN piece is truly awful. The entire piece is based on putting words into White’s mouth that he didn’t say and then trashing those words. Where does he say that bikes are more equal than other forms of transport? Where does he say that cars are ugly? He doesn’t, yet the Daily News criticizes him for the opinions that they gave him. Sadly, this is what passes for editorial opinion these days.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Anonymous
What you are experiencing is Happy Wheel Rage. Driver’s stuck in traffic in polluting, fat-inducing boxes (Sad Wheels) are immediately enraged when they see you pedal by on your clean, healthy Happy Wheels.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Jared R
I agree, that is a solid target. Totally doable.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
I ride on Flatbush, south of the park, every day–so believe me, I know how many vans there are and understand that they’re filling a niche.
What I don’t get is why that niche is there. It’s a bus route. Put more buses on there. Give buses a much-needed dedicated lane. Do whatever it takes to address what is clearly a yawning need–while also doing it safely.
All of which is to say that I’m pretty sure we agree. People who live in the area serviced by those vans (in other words, people like me!) need better transportation options. I just wish it the city gave those to us in a safe way.
in response to Today's Headlines
Alex Knight
My favorite is when drivers blame cyclists for traffic and tell them to “Get a car!” Blows. My. Mind.
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
kevd
Dollar Vans are an essential transportation link for literally hundreds of thousands of people.
They exist because the MTA is either unwilling, or unable to provide adequate service.
I’m as annoyed as anyone by dollar van drivers’ frequently aggressive and borderline sociopathic behavior on the road. But they exist in such large numbers because bus service on Flatbush is horrendously slow and painful unpredictable. I dare you to go outside and count the number of buses versus the number of dollar vans going past on Flatbush – especially south of prospect park.
If it is less than 10 to 1 I’ll buy you a beer.
Most dollar vans are costing riders MORE than buses, because most riders do not have an ultimate destination along Flatbush ave.
So many are paying $2 for the van (dollar vans cost $2, now) and then $2.50 for the subway. It isn’t about saving 50 cents. Its about the level of service dollar vans provide versus MTA buses.
Ticket them for moving violations. Impound the uninsured and the unlicensed to carry passengers. But don’t eliminate dollar vans from Flatbush Ave. They are too essential – and the DOT seems to know that….
in response to Today's Headlines
KillMoto
What makes me most sad about unthinking motorists is… If only they would think.
When I ride my bike, they’re not stuck behind a car. And when I divest of my car, because options like public transit, car sharing, Citi Bike and better biking/walking infrastructure… Well, that’s one fewer car competing for the alternate side free parking.
If only they would think.
If I were car dependent, I’d be falling all over myself to get my neighbors out of cars. More parking and less traffic for me!
in response to A Smugger Version of This Weekend's Backstabbing in the Daily News
Nicole Gelinas
Hello Bob – Do you have a constructive comment to make about my article(s), or are you just attacking with no argument or facts, and anonymously, to boot? Real courageous + classy = you’re adding enormously to the public discourse!
in response to Today's Headlines
Steve Vaccaro
The Post story on the cyclist killed by the livery driver takes the traditional approach of blaming the victim for the crash based on the livery driver’s self-serving account, as conveyed by “anonymous NYPD sources” who are sworn to secrecy when it comes to inquiries from survivors of fatal crashes, but can’t help blabbing anything that comes to mind when a reporter asks for a non-attributed quote.
Why should we trust NYPD to protect us against terrorism and crime when they routinely violate their own alleged “no comment during active investigation” policy to exonerate drivers who kill?
in response to Today's Headlines
Michael Klatsky
Until congestion pricing removes single-occupancy cars from Midtown, the traffic volumes do warrant seven lanes.
in response to After Two Meetings, CB 6 Still Hasn't Decided on QBB Bike Access Plan
Guest
No one thinks Daily News readers are dumber than the Daily News editors.
in response to Today's Headlines
Anonymous
I’m not worried, not the rational part of me anyway, just obsessive and impatient. I’ve been waiting for this since last summer.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
Was that Post Editorial against Paul Steely White actually published? It’s like some circa 2003 right-wing “fisking” of an anti-Iraq War article–incredibly unpersuasive high school-level sass that’s almost luridly convinced of its own sharpness.
And for the love of Somebody, why are dollar vans allowed to exist on Flatbush? Why doesn’t the MTA just triple the number of buses? It’s not like people are saving much money taking those killing machines.
in response to Today's Headlines
Greg
I’m a “founding member” too and have also not gotten mine.
I’m not worried at the moment. If May 17 was the deadline for registering to “get in” at the beginning, I wouldn’t be surprised if they started mailing on Saturday May 18th, so that Monday is the first practical day we could start getting our packages in the mail.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
That one was on the map (the furthest south station planned in this phase).
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
Where’s my key? I’m a “founding member” too. Have others gotten theirs? I figured there’d be lots of reports when they started to arrive, but so far this is the only mention I’ve seen of someone getting one. Here’s waiting…
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
Stations in Williamsburg were on the map when they first released it last year. They’re still still visible here, but they’re grayed out (along with Bed-Stuy and Queens):
http://a841-tfpweb.nyc.gov/bikeshare/station-map/
It looks like they’re adding stations back as they repair or replace the ones damaged by Sandy?
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Greg
Someone posted a picture of a station at Grand & Havemeyer in Williamsburg, which isn’t even on the *current* list of Williamsburg stations. Fascinating.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
carma
got mine during weekend. woohoo
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
carma
100,000 by end of year.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Bob
Death, taxes, and Gelinas’ lack of nuance and comprehension.
in response to Today's Headlines
Ari
Of course those will be issues at some point. Hopefully, the build up is slow enough that Alta can learn how to manage the flow.
As random as some trips are, most follow a pattern. Once they learn the pattern, they can adjust stations or be ready to move bikes. Or find some other solution.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Jared R
I was at work and I saw a flatbed with docks go by on 57th Street. I was unable to regulate my volume, but soon enough, most of my coworkers were at the window looking. “Are you sure those are for bikeshare?” – “I’m positive!”
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Jared R
I don’t have mine yet – I’m worried.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Joseph Milan
Sickening. Thank you for this valuable service, streetsblog.
in response to The Weekly Carnage
Clarke
The four in Williamsburg were not on the map at least when membership opened. Very excited they’ve been added, as it will increase LES-Williamsburg connections vastly (vs. taking J train over bridge and ending up much farther east, or walking and taking ~30 mins). Add a massive dock in the new Delancey St plaza and cross-bridge connection is made so simple.
That’s definitely one thing that station planners will need to stress as system changes after rollout. Increased docks on either end of bridges, as they’re the easiest, grade-separated infrastructure that currently exists and can work as a halo for hesitant riders to try the system off-street.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Ben Kintisch
It’s not totally clear. Doug Gordon posted a photo of a bike share station in the edge of Park Slope. Maybe they are thinking that steadily expanding on a rolling basis will help the system grow in membership and usage. It seems like both Park Slope and Williamsburg will be huge areas for the program, and the sooner those two nabes are included, the more the system will grow.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
Absolutely. Crystal clear. They just do not do it and the mayor has not instructed the police to clamp down on this deadly behavior. And the AG and the courts are not on the page either.
Now we know what it feels to be black in this country. We are victims of WWP, walking while pedestrian .
in response to Cleared in Traffic Court, Hit-and-Run Killer Still Employed at NYC DOT
Anonymous
I share your wish for more enforcement but i doubt we will ever get it. Even camera legislation is hopelessly stuck in Albany so we are left with engineering.
Yes the time will be shorter, but for risk adverse pedestrians it will be safer. What is the point of having more time if I risk being killed the whole time? Alternatively there can be a 100% safe but shorter period , and then I can cross out of turn but be hyper vigilant.
Ideally the phases dedicated to cars should be shortened everywhere.
in response to Cleared in Traffic Court, Hit-and-Run Killer Still Employed at NYC DOT
Andrew
We most certainly do not – pedestrians already have to wait long enough to cross the street, and split phase signals will ensure that we have to wait even longer, while getting the bare minimum of time to actually cross the street. In practice, pedestrians will just cross against the light rather than wait unnecessarily.
What we do need is enforcement of the existing law. The three precincts that meet at Union Square issued a combined total of 50 violations in April for not giving right-of-way to pedestrians. (If they had any interest in doing so, they’d have no difficulty issuing 50 violations in one hour at this one intersection.) The 6th Precinct alone issued three for the entire month (but during that same month issued 87 seat belt violations). That’s meaningless, and drivers know that they can get away with murder.
Ideally, people who threaten to kill pedestrians with their cars (because they don’t feel like waiting a few seconds) should be treated no differently than people who threaten to kill others with their guns – but that would presumably require new legislation.
in response to Cleared in Traffic Court, Hit-and-Run Killer Still Employed at NYC DOT
Andrew
Just remember to don a blindfold before you get behind the wheel, and you’re automatically absolved of everything.
in response to Cleared in Traffic Court, Hit-and-Run Killer Still Employed at NYC DOT
Andrew
From http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trafrule.pdf:
Why does it matter that “authorities could not prove he knew he had run Buta over”? Whether he knew about it or not, he failed to yield the right of way to a pedestrian lawfully within the intersection.
in response to Cleared in Traffic Court, Hit-and-Run Killer Still Employed at NYC DOT
Anonymous
Have they been adding additional proposed stations continuously?
http://citibikenyc.com/stations
I noticed that they now show stations in williamsburg; whereas before there were none, I think. Are they supposed to be part of the 2nd phase?
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
jimmy
its not easy driving an “ff” truck, 50,000 pounds through manhattan traffic back and forth to queens to get loaded, on top of that you dont realize dot employees are underpaid for 8 years as a assistant highway repairer, dodging tractor trailers on the bqe / cross bronx, exposed to cancerous fumes from asphalt and diesel fumes, worked like a slave i shovel 8+tons of asphalt a night. we are paid prevailing wages only after 8 years of service. so listen say what you want but even if the city contracted out paving and milling operations local 731 union workers get paid more than us. its a shame what happened to the poor woman i dont think it would its fair to judge his or other highway repairers salary in any way
in response to Is the Truck Driver Who Killed Roxana Sorina Buta Still Behind the Wheel?
Bronxite
The 43rd Precinct has done a great job fighting crime. However, speeders and reckless drivers are a major problem in this community. The 43rd Precinct area is divided up by the Bruckner Expressway and Bronx River Parkway. White Plains Rd in particular is really bad (especially one block south of this fatal accident on White Plains Red/Bruckner Blvd, last year the site of a high profile traffic death) thanks to auto-centric Bruckner Plaza. We could really use a Slow Zone and aggressive traffic enforcement by the NYPD.
in response to Manuel Verdesoto at Least Thirteenth Senior Killed in NYC Traffic in 2013
Streetfilms
There are lots of people biking out here. On some days 34th Avenue is a bike highway during the summer. We just need a few more bike lanes here or there and a fully safe Queens Blvd. That’ll probably be for the next administration!
in response to Eyes on the Street: Jackson Heights' Beautiful New Bike Corral
Ben Kintisch
Looks so loverly!
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
And now I have my key.
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
I registered yesterday evening and my number was in the mid 13,300′s.
in response to T-Minus 10 Days to Citi Bike Launch
Anonymous
Great message to send to all motorists who do not yield to pedestrians who cross with the walk sign. So what is the point of the walk sign? Now it it is squarely in the hands of DOT : WE NEED SPLIT PHASE SIGNALS ! EVERYWHERE. ( As you can tell i am infuriated) .
in response to Cleared in Traffic Court, Hit-and-Run Killer Still Employed at NYC DOT
Kevin Love
A big round of applause to Mr. Van Bramer and his staff for cycling to work today. Why am I not surprised that the council member with the Dutch name is the one cycling to work?
Mr. Van Bramer’s bicycle also appears to be the only one with fenders. The other four bicycles in the photo are useless for all-weather riding, unless I work at an office where having a stripe of road grime and mud showered up my back constitutes acceptable office attire.
in response to Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and Staff Celebrate Bike to Work Day