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May 23, 2008 |  |
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 This is the NYC.gov News You Requested for: "Bicycle Updates" |
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 NYCycles - The Official Newsletter of NYC DOT's Bike Program In this May edition of NYCycles, you'll find:
In Every Issue: And tools to make your ride safer and easier: |
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"With rising oil prices and heightened concern about carbon emissions, riding a bicycle no longer seems quite so silly. The number of bicyclists has grown by 75 percent during the past seven years, according to the city's count.
'The bike is not a hobby,' said Sadik-Khan, 47, who cycles to work herself. 'It's an important part of the transportation network.'" L.A. Times (also picked up by papers in Boston, Baltimore and Salt Lake City)
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Bike Month celebrates the fun, convenience and ease of cycling in NYC. Cycling is good for you, good for the environment and good for New York City. Bike Month NYC is presented by the New York City Department of Transportation, Transportation Alternatives, Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Health. This year's celebration was kicked off by a group ride with DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan and Parks Commissioner Benepe, the DOT Bike Program staff and Transportation Alternatives.
With nearly 200 events throughout the month of May there is something for cyclists of all ages and ability levels. It’s a great time for New Yorkers to try biking for the first time, or for the first time here in New York. Group rides help newcomers ease into cycling. One group ride that's been growing by leaps and bounds is DOT's own Bike to Shea Day. Now in its 5th year, this ride leads cyclists from all over the city to Shea and provides valet bike parking at the stadium for those who stay to enjoy the game. This year the Mets featured a montage of the cyclists and valet bike parking on the Diamond Vision screen during the 7th inning.
This year DOT got the word out to motorists about bike safety. Forty-two Variable Message Board signs, including movable boards at the Manhattan exits of the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, reminded drivers to share the road and watch for cyclists. This message was also carried on highway message boards throughout the five boroughs. There are still many great Bike Month NYC events left - visit www.BikeMonthNYC.org for a complete listing.
Mr. Met grabs a photo-op with cyclists at DOT's 5th Annual Bike to Shea Day. |
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This month the New York Times CityRoom blog allowed New Yorkers and cyclists from around the globe to send in their queries, suggestions and voice their praise and pet peeves about cycling in the City.
Joshua Benson, the bicycle program coordinator for the New York City Department of Transportation, sorted through hundreds of questions and provided answers on topics ranging from protected bike lanes to indoor bike parking to what the agency is doing to make bicycling safer in boroughs outside of Manhattan.
Josh tackled mostly topics that are in the direct control of DOT, leaving most answers about greenways (Parks), enforcement (NYPD) and access to transit (MTA) to be answered by experts from those entities.
Read Josh's replies Read more about DOT's bicycle program
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Since 2001 the DOT has made a series of improvements to the safety and convenience of
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The DOT Bicycle Program installed over 60 new lane miles of bicycle routes in 2007, and plans to install 80 more miles this year. Track our progress and see upcoming projects here.
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Get your copy of the Departments of Transportation, City Planning and Parks' 2008 NYC Cycling Map. The map includes bike lanes, routes, greenways, parks, bike shops and subway stations in all five boroughs. The map also shows bike rental locations. Download a copy online, pick up one at a local bike shop or order one for FREE by calling 311.
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For information about street closures, sign up for weekly traffic advisories: http://www.nyc.gov/dotnews
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The DOT has distributed over 12,000 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. This spring DOT staff will also be fitting and distributing helmets at a number of special events throughout the five boroughs. We have the following upcoming fitting events, call 212-839-2200 for more information.
Saturday, May 31, 12 - 4 PM Saturday, June 21, 1 - 4 PM
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Do you live or work somewhere that could benefit from secure bike parking? NYCDOT is working with Community Boards to identify strategic areas to install clusters of new bike parking, including at transit stations, along commercial corridors and at other major community destinations. If you'd like to suggest an area that needs bike parking, contact your Community Board.
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Potholes: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/pothole.shtml Street Construction Hazards: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/permits/hiqaform.shtml Missing or Broken Street Signs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/signs/trafsign.shtml Report a faded or damaged bike lane: Call 311 Other Complaints and Compliments: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/maildot.html or call 311
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Street Smart Cycling: Give Pedestrians a Brake. Always yield to pedestrians on the streets, when making turns and on multi-use paths (greenways). On shared paths, give pedestrians the right-of-way.
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