The number of cyclists in NYC is growing; you can see them in masses on the streets. The NYC Department of Transportation estimates the number of bike commuters has grown by 75 percent since 2000. That's great news!
But how does NYC compare to other North American cities in bike-friendliness? MSNBC reports that, even though it has by far the most cyclists, NYC stands at #8 (just behind San Francisco). Portland, OR is number one on the list.
Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:22
I join everyone here that says that ny is not really that bike-friendly. I'd like to add that although the MTA has this kinda "campaign", I feel it's little that is done to improve the use of subways by bike commuters.
Besides saying that a bike/subway commute is the "greenest", they do not support commuters who need to be at work at 9 AM and leave at 5 PM, like many people in the city.
I live over 10 miles from my workplace and I am not prepared to ride my bike all the way. The only way to use the subway part of the way would be to get up 2 hours earlier so the people in overcrowded trains won't yell my head off.
Can't the MTA plan something more sensible? maybe a subway car in each formation, where bikes are allowed at any time? at least people would know what to expect: a bike stuck on your side and no complaints.
Mon, 08/18/2008 - 21:03
What's the safest route to circle the perimeter of Manhattan?
Thanks,
TF
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 10:52
Despite what the commenter at Wed, 07/09/2008 - 14:35 says, I think San Francisco is more bike-friendly than New York. I rented a bike there when I visited a few weeks ago. The drivers there are more considerate, both in driving generally and in paying attention to bike riders, than in New York. And there is simply less traffic, hence a smaller chance of a car in the bike lane, less fumes from stop-and-go traffic, etc.
I do admit though that the hills and rails are obstacles we don't have here.
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:07
I've just recently learned to ride and I find the streets to be UNFRIENDLY. Around Williamsburg in Brooklyn it's okay but anywhere else??? So many times I've been beeped at, cut at, and taken advantage of when it comes to cross streets. My light is green and I am going straight and this guy decides to take a left straight towards me! There are people who beep so loud that it startles me to lose control of my bike and even one instance when a big hunk of a pay loader decided to squeeze into me on a BIKE LANE in Greenpoint! Those black taxis is another matter! They pull out without signalling, does not care about red lights or even worry about pedestrians and bikers! Government vehicles are WORSE!!!!! Parking on the bike lane, speeding and not respecting traffic lights even if they are not on emergency! I'm sorry but I don't think NY is friendly enough or educated enough about road ethics
Wed, 07/09/2008 - 14:35
i think new york is decently friendly to cyclists. but is ultimately kind of like an acquaintance that invites you to a party but then basically ignores you after you show up. you might get a drink or two out of the deal but then you wondered why you bothered to show up at all.
that said, i don't think it's the fault of the planners. nyc has been making tremendous strides in planning for new bikelanes and making biking safer. i think it's more the attitude of non-bikers that double park in bike lanes, don't look before pulling out of parking spaces, and generally treat cyclists like they have no right to be on the road. which surprises me in a place like brooklyn, where you can't go five feet without falling into a bike shop.
i think more education is needed, to show people how fun and healthy cycling is, and also to let drivers know that yes, cyclists are on the road, they have a right to be there, and should be treated as such. and in turn, cyclists should also remember to obey traffic lights and not barrel into pedestrians. and stay off the sidewalk! (full disclosure: i do ride on the sidewalk sometimes, but slowly and carefully if pedestrians are around. it beats getting squashed by an SUV in sunset park, even if it is a crummy thing to do.)
and san francisco may have a lot of cyclists, but it has the most insane traffic of anywhere i've been. i don't know a single person there that hasn't been hit by a car while walking or biking- also, the streetcar tracks are a total hazard, a friend of mine faceplanted last week after getting her wheel stuck in one. so i'll take nyc any day.
Fri, 07/04/2008 - 18:28
Really? I usually try to avoid cynicism, but I always thought NYC was extremely bike-unfriendly, but I also bike primarily in Brooklyn. It seems like the handful of bike lanes and greenways we have are just a half-assed concession to those "crazy bicyclists" that "apparently" live in this city, from the point of view of the average city planner. :-/
Other opinions?