view past issues subscribe to list translate  
Like NYCycles - New Years' Cycling Resolutions on Facebook
0
comment on NYCycles - New Years' Cycling Resolutions
0
DOT Bike Banner
Monday, January 24, 2011
 
New Bike Routes Cycling Map Road Closures Free Helmets Bike Racks Report a Problem
 

New Years’ Cycling Resolutions from DOT
We’ve all been there and seen some jerk blow the light, almost hit a grandma and help give all us cyclists a bad name. So this year, join your fellow cyclists and resolve to make New York a better, safer place to ride, walk and live. Add these four commitments to your New Years’ Resolutions and ride into 2011 with pride!

  1. Yield to pedestrians
  2. Stop at red lights and stop signs
  3. Ride in the direction of traffic
  4. Stay off the sidewalk

Want some extra tips? Check out Bike Smart – DOT's new guide to urban cycling. The pocket-sized guide contains a handy list of traffic laws pertaining to cyclists, as well as info on safe ways to make left turns, how to use the new protected lanes, bike boxes and more. DOT is distributing the guides at community meetings and bike events throughout the city.

DOT in Winter
DOT takes a pause from installing new projects in the winter. It’s too cold for thermoplastic to adhere properly and for concrete to set. Instead, we’re hard at work planning projects for the next season and getting a head start on outreach. Did you know that DOT presents every bicycle lane project to the relevant Community Boards before the project is installed? Check out presentations from past and future projects on the DOT website and find out about when we’ll be presenting at upcoming meetings. Community Board meetings are open to the public and you can attend to share your thoughts and ideas about our projects. Want to join your Community Board? Learn more about the application process and deadlines.

Five Boro Bike Tour: Registrations Opens Soon!
There might be snow on the ground, but before you know it will be spring. Coming on May 1 is the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour Presented by Eastern Mountain Sports, produced by Bike New York and DOT. The tour takes riders pedaling 42 car-free miles through New York City streets – an unforgettable way to experience the city. Each person who registers will also have the option to ride for charity, choosing from more than 30 charity partners supporting a variety of causes, including DOT's Safe Streets Fund. Register online starting on Tuesday, February 1 at 10 am. Slots are limited and the Tour sells out quickly.

photo by Bonnie Natko

Get Your 2010 NYC Cycling Map

NYC Cycling Map 2010

The 2010 New York City Cycling Map includes more than 70 new miles of bike lanes. It's available for free while supplies last. Call 311 or pick one up at your local bike shop or library. The map is also available online.

 

New Bicycle Routes

See upcoming bicycle projects. Want to learn more? Check the DOT calendar to find out when we give public presentations about these projects.

 

 

What you need to know…about riding in snow.

 

There’s snow on the ground but that doesn’t mean you need to stop riding. Here are some tips to keep you and your bicycle safe and happy all winter long!

  • Avoid all manhole covers, steel plates and other metal objects in streets. They're extra-slippery in cold weather.
  • If you're fishtailing on a slippery surface, continue pedaling slowly. Don't brake suddenly.
  • The salt on the road can really do a number on your bike. Wiping down your bike and ensuring the chain is well lubricated can help!
  • Try switching to snow tires or wide tires with widely separated knobs for the winter if you can.
  • Snow and debris may be pushed into the bike lanes. If so, "take the lane" – ride in the middle of a traffic lane at the speed you need to feel safe.
 

 

 

Safety Tip

  

Hand signals help drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists know where you're going. Unsure what the signals are? See the diagram in the "Take the Lane" section of Bike Smart, now available in English, Spanish and five other languages!
 

 

Quick Bit

"I was a doubter, I thought it would never work," said Helen Pidd, a journalist for the Guardian newspaper...“[But now] you see people who haven't been on bikes for years riding them with smiles on their faces. There's an extra 6,000 bikes on the road and they're so distinctive. Taxis and cars are getting more used to seeing bikes and that can only be a good thing." Read more!

Road and Bridge Closures

For information about street closures, sign up for weekly traffic advisories.

Free Helmets

The DOT has distributed over 23,000 official NYC Bicycle Helmets for free to New York City residents. You can schedule a time to get fitted for an NYC helmet at one of the DOT's Safety Cities by calling 311. Check our events calendar for upcoming fittings.

Suggest Bike Rack Locations

Do you live or work somewhere that could benefit from bike parking? DOT is working with community boards to identify strategic areas to install clusters of new bike parking. If you'd like to suggest an area that needs bike parking, contact your community board.

Report a Problem or Send Kudos

Potholes
Street Construction Hazards
Missing or Broken Street Signs
Report a faded or damaged bike lane: Call 311
Other Complaints and Compliments

Share NYCycles

We sent you this issue of NYCycles because you signed up for bicycle updates from DOT.
Forward to a friend
view email in browser
Unsubscribe <<Email Address>>

New York City Department of Transportation
55 Water Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10041

Add us to your address book