"dgk" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 9 Nov 2007 16:44:35 -0600, "Edward Dolan"
wrote:


"Steven M. O'Neill" wrote in message
...
Edward Dolan wrote:
If you are riding in the lanes with motor vehicles in NYC it is just a
matter of time until you are hit. Ride in the street yes, but stay out
of
the way of motor vehicles. In other words, get as far to the right as
you
can, even if it means you are right next to the curb. Elementary, my
dear
Watson!

Have you tried riding a bike like this, or is this just some
theory that you cooked up from behind the windshield?

The method you describe will result in a large number of near
sideswipes (or worse). If there's not enough room in a given
lane for a car to safely pass, the cyclist is much safer taking
the lane; drivers can see you better and are more likely to pass
in the adjacent lane when it's safe to do so.

Yes, that is the theory all right among the cognoscenti cyclists who think
they know everything. But it is false.

If you are in danger of being sideswiped, then get off your bike and walk
it
on the sidewalk. The traffic in a major metro like NYC is ferocious and
only
an idiot would want to mix in with it. Frankly, I would only ride a bike
there on a bike path - even in Brooklyn!



The only unpleasant part of my commute is the two miles from the 59th
Street Bridge down 2nd Avenue. Then I pick up the east side
bike/pedestrian path for the rest of the trip downtown.

Even 2nd Avenue is ok though for the most part. Folks in NYC are good
drivers. Aggressive maybe, but pretty aware of the road and people and
bikes.

You bet - everybody says that until they get hit.

Regards,

Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota