The ever increasing number and quality of bike lanes in New York City is wonderful! Though now that the weather is nice the fair weather summer riders are creeping out onto the streets in increasing numbers and oh I fear for them. Dear fair weather rider, be careful! I love bicycling and want more people to bicycle regularly but with some semblance of order and care. One must remember that a bicycle is a moving vehicle and rules do apply for the safety and protection of all. Bicycling is fabulous fun and wonderful exercise, but please for the love of all things good and right in the world don’t ride the wrong way in the bike lane!
In the past few weeks I have observed a population surge in “salmon” cyclists in lower Manhattan. What is a salmon cyclist? Salmon, don’t go with the flow, no, the bastards swim upstream. Presumably the salmon don’t annoy or cause harm to other creatures – except perhaps to hydroelectric power companies – but the bicyclists that do ride the wrong way in bike lanes run the risk of harm to themselves and others.
Admittedly, I don’t follow all rules all of the time, but this is a situation that really can bring serious damage to people and give cycling a bad reputation. So for the benefit of new and would be riders here are the Top 6 from the 2010 NYC Cycling Map.
1. Cyclists must obey all traffic lights and signs.
2. Cyclists should yield to pedestrians.
3. Cyclists may NOT ride on the sidewalk.
4. Cyclists must ride in the direction of traffic.
5. Use lights at night. (White in front, red in the rear.)
6. Wear a helmet.
For a complete list check out the NY DOT tips.
And really, fear not, get on the bike and pedal around just avoid the temptation of riding the wrong way.
