Watch out for NYC cyclists

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Ever since moving back into NYC I've been aware of the increase in crazy cyclists all over. The city is not well set up for them, though Bloomberg has put in a lot of bike lanes. The lanes may be good for the bikers, but nerve wracking for drivers and dangerous for pedestrians. The worst places for pedestrians are, unfortunately, some popular tourist spots. When I finally walked across the Brooklyn Bridge I was astounded at how fast and ruthless the bikers were - the pedestrian lane is not wide enough to accommodate all the walkers on a nice weekend, and the bikes do not stop or slow down. Same at Riverside Park, where it's dangerous to cross the path to throw something away in a garbage can, or even to sit with legs crossed one over the other at a pathside bench. We abandoned the idea of taking the little ones there with scooters or bikes because it's really not safe.

Two days ago a friend of mine got mowed down by a bike and has a broken arm, two splints, and a lot of roadrash. The biker stopped momentarily only to say "sorry, it's really crowded" and rode off.

We need some better restrictions and cyclist management here, but until we figure it out please be careful out there. Whatever you do, do NOT step into a bike lane unaware, and keep your little ones very close.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Carry a baseball bat and look like you are ready to use it.