The New York Times has an article called “The Wild Bunch” about the breakdown in civility between bikers, drivers and pedestrians, and the responsibility of bikers in the equation.  With the growing population of bikers not going anywhere but up, and from first-hand experience, I feel that the onus is equally on all parties in endeavoring to co-exist peacefully on city streets.

Though I gleefully participated in the heady Critical Mass rides in San Francisco in 1997 (my first one happened to be the largest and most controversial with 5000 riders), I have only been riding in NYC since May, when I scored a red quasi-cruiser as part of a giveaway.  In that time, I have been hit by a car making a left turn, I have had near collisions with pedestrians who were standing in the bike lane, I have shouted “heads up!” at pedestrians crossing against the light who have not seen me, I have very narrowly averted being doored more times than I can remember, I have scolded bicycle deliverymen for riding on sidewalks, I have had the tires on my parked bike run over twice, and slashed once, and my basket regularly suffers the indignity of standing in as a substitute wastebasket. 

I will admit to not always riding in a completely unimpeachable fashion.  I very occasionally ride on sidewalks (only very briefly, and usually to go around a roadblock), I generally ride with the flow of traffic, I generally stop at lights, (proceeding only if safe), and do my best to conduct myself in a civil way while riding.  Shouting at clueless pedestrians though - fully guilty as charged.  There are few things more frustrating than watching pedestrians watching you at full speed, with the light, continue to just stand there, mouths agape, or starting to cross, knowing full well you have the right of way.  When the bell doesn’t work, I will yell “heads up!” – and not only for my own benefit.

I think it’s truly awesome that NYC is in the middle of an aggressive campaign to cater to cyclists by installing bike lanes, as they have proven safer for all parties.  As well, I view them as part of a holistic approach to building sustainable cities, and applaud the encouragement and support of city officials towards that end.  I would like to suggest a concurrent PSA campaign to raise awareness about the growing biking population, and to foster greater understanding among all stakeholders. 

I, like many others, get great enjoyment from riding my bike – it is not only a form of exercise, or mode of transportation, it is also liberating – great for the body, soul and spirit.  Though we are now somewhat removed from the Critical Mass rides of yore, the message is starting to be heard – from one less car on the road, to more and safer bike routes, to more parking for bikes.  I think it’s important to leverage the current momentum, borne as it may have been by higher gas prices, towards achieving these goals.