Cycling around New York City – for sightseeing, for exercise, as a mode of transportation or to earn a living – has been a part of the City’s culture and history for more than 100 years. Over the last decade alone, bicycle traffic has become more and more mainstream in New York City. Since 2005, a bike-friendly push has led to the addition of more than 250 miles of bike lanes and the installation of thousands of bike racks around the City, the New York Times reports.
As New York bicycle accident attorney Nicholas Rose has noted in an earlier post to his New York Injury Lawyer blog, that the interaction among foot traffic, bicyclists and motor vehicles has taken some adjustment. With that said, the NYC Dept. of Transportation, law enforcement, even government officials, have continued to push aggressive public awareness campaigns promoting the benefits of shared road space.
With public awareness comes a move by city police to make roads and sidewalks safer for all New York City traffic through enforcement. So far in 2010, road.cc reports, cops have issues more than 26,000 moving violations against cyclists and another 800,000 violations against motor vehicle drivers.
Critics of the expansion of bicycling rights and turf say that more cycling rights has led to more hazards for pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic as bicyclists have become more aggressive in claiming road space. Cycling enthusiasts argue in the alternative – that people and cars still pay them little heed and less respect. That cycling around the Big Apple is as much, if not more, of a hazard for them as it is for those with whom they share the road.
The Five Borough Bicycle Club is just one of numerous New York City cycling organizations that support the community of NYC bicyclists. Aside from hosting group rides and races and publishing riding routes around the City, 5BBC, like other clubs, also offers a list of simple safety tips to help cyclists safely share the road.
FOR CITY CYCLISTS:
~ First, ALWAYS wear a helmet. Between 1996 and 2005, 225 cyclists were killed in fatal bicycle crashes in NYC. Of those, 97 percent were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
~ Make sure your ride is in good working condition – air in the tires, brakes and lights work, pedals and seat secure.
~ Obey traffic laws for bikes and other traffic. If there is a bike lane, use it. Give motor vehicle traffic a wide berth – at least four feet – to avoid getting tagged by a driver or passenger unexpectedly opening a door in your travel path.
~ Be predictable. Use hand signals (directional, not editorial). Make eye contact. Don’t dart across or weave through traffic. Avoid using sidewalk when there is appropriate designated or undesignated road space.
New York City personal injury lawyer, Nicholas Rose would like you to know our office is available for a free and confidential consultation if you have been injured. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673). Nicholas Rose represents accident victims throughout the New York City area, including Long Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.
