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St. George, Staten Island. Photo Credit: Bill Paciello

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	August 24 , 2007

This is the NYC.gov News You Requested for: "Bicycle Updates"

	NYCycles - The Official Newsletter of NYC DOT's Bike Program In this edition of NYCycles, you��ll find: - Seeing Green: DOT Tests New High Visibility Bike Lanes in Brooklyn - Two New Laws to Protect Working Cyclists - Williamsburg Bridge:Temporary Closure of North Bicycle and Pedestrian Path New Bike Routes 2007 Cycling Map And tools to make your ride safer and easier: Road and Bridge Closures Free Helmets Request a Bike Rack Report a Problem
	Quick Bit:	The Manhattan Bridge bicycle path reopened on August 6, 2007, over two months ahead of schedule! Plus, see our plans to improve access to the Manhattan side of the bridge, slated for spring 2008.
	Photo by: Jennifer Yao

		Seeing Green: DOT Tests New High Visibility Bike Lanes in Brooklyn Ever feel like you��re just plain invisible when you��re biking on New York City streets? There are many solutions including wearing brighter clothes, and (as required by law) using head and taillights at night and using a bell. But what if bike lanes were more visible too? Some experts at DOT think this might help give the burgeoning bike network a big safety boost. While other cities around the country have also been experimenting with colored lanes, it is far from standard practice in the US. Portland, OR conducted a large-scale test of colored lanes in the late nineties and found 76% of cyclists thought colored lanes made the streets safer and nearly 50% of drivers agreed. Cyclists and drivers both modified their behaviors in statistically significant ways, to increase safety after the colored lanes were installed. The Europeans have been using colored lanes for some time now, the Danes use blue, the Dutch use red, the British use red or green, and the French use green. In 2001 DOT tested blue bike lanes around downtown Brooklyn. However, the Federal Highway Administration also uses blue paint to symbolize hospital or handicapped accessible zones. Now we are testing different shades of green. We will also be coordinating between different units within DOT to ensure that safety needs and aesthetic concerns are both considered as we move forward. Blogger McBrooklyn conducted a snap poll of readers and it turns out green is the hit with 47% of readers preferring it to other options including sky blue, blue-green and the all encompassing ��something else.��
		Two New Laws to Protect Working Cyclists Two new laws went into affect on July 26, both created to increase the safety of working cyclists. One of the new laws requires that employers provide each of their bicycle delivery workers with a helmet that meets city safety standards and that each business equip delivery bicycles with a lamp, bell, brakes, reflectors and other safety devices. The law also requires delivery workers to wear helmets when cycling on the job. A second law requires that all employers of bike delivery workers post signs that detail bicycle safety procedures, operator responsibilities and the responsibilities of businesses that employ commercial bicycle operators. A model sign with the rules that must be posted is be available at www.nyc.gov/dot.
		Williamsburg Bridge:Temporary Closure of North Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Cyclists take note: due to necessary maintenance work on the Williamsburg Bridge the north bicycle path is closed full-time until September 14th. The path will then reopen to cyclists on weekends (3:30 pm Friday-6 am Monday). Cyclists and pedestrians should use the south path in the interim. If you have questions or comments about this project, please dial 311 or call the Williamsburg Bridge Field Office Community Outreach Line 1-877-WILLYB8 (945-5928).
		New Bike Routes 9th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn, connecting neighborhoods from Park Slope to Red Hook Central Avenue and Evergreen Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn, providing a valuable connection between Bushwick and East New York
		2007 NYC Cycling Map is Available Get your copy of the Departments of Transportation, City Planning and Parks' 2007 NYC Cycling Map. This map includes bike lanes, routes, greenways, parks, bike shops and subway stations in all five boroughs. And new for 2007, the map also shows bike rental locations. Download a copy (front, back in pdf) online, pick up one at a local bike shop or order one for FREE by calling 311.
		Road and Bridge Closures For information about street closures, sign up for weekly traffic advisories: http://www.nyc.gov/dotnews
		Free Helmets The DOT recently distributed over 1,000 official NYC bicycle helmets for free to New York City residents. The helmet distribution is part of GET FIT-TED, a new campaign to raise consumer awareness and promote safety and bicycling in all five boroughs. Sponsored by Target and designed by NYC & Company, the official NYC helmets offer riders safety and a unique urban style. You can schedule a time to get fitted for an NYC helmet at one of the DOT's Safety Cities by calling 311.
		Request a Bike Rack Do you live or work somewhere that could benefit from secure bike parking? Request a CityRack, free sidewalk bicycle parking rack, from DOT. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bikerack.shtml
		Report a Problem or Send Kudos 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 Other Complaints and Compliments: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/maildot.html
		Street Smart Cycling: Obey all traffic signs and signals. As vehicles, bicycles must obey all NYC traffic Rules. Cyclists have the same rights, privileges and duties as other vehicular traffic. Quick Tip: Avoid the crowds. The Brooklyn Bridge is a favorite destination for tourists and New Yorkers alike. And it's great for a scenic ride. But when you're in a hurry consider taking the Manhattan Bridge bike path instead; there are fewer pedestrians to contend with and you can be on your way quickly and safely.
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