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New Jersey riding into New York City
In reponse to my comment that some long distance east-west bicycle routes
and maps do not show how to actually ride from New Jersey into New York City -- so instead of telling how to make the spectacular ride across the George Washington Bridge, they suggest stopping at Newark in New Jersey and taking the train into Manhattan . . . NYC XYZ wrote that's the Adventure Cycling map he's got. It's exactly where they end: the train at Newark, barely fifteen miles away! To me that seems kinda sad. I've gone between Newark and the GWB by three different routes on _skates_. I think that demonstrates that anybody who's ridden most of the way across the country on a _bicycle_ ought to have sufficient capabilities to make it under their own power to a worthy finish over the great bridge into Manhattan. To try to offer something to fill this gap, here's some notes on my skates between Newark and the GWB: http://roberts-1.com/sk8hv/v/w/gwb/t...05-reports.htm http://roberts-1.com/sk8hv/v/w/gwb/t...04-reports.htm Ken |
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#2
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New Jersey riding into New York City
Ken Roberts wrote: In reponse to my comment that some long distance east-west bicycle routes and maps do not show how to actually ride from New Jersey into New York City -- so instead of telling how to make the spectacular ride across the George Washington Bridge, they suggest stopping at Newark in New Jersey and taking the train into Manhattan . . . NYC XYZ wrote that's the Adventure Cycling map he's got. It's exactly where they end: the train at Newark, barely fifteen miles away! To me that seems kinda sad. I've gone between Newark and the GWB by three different routes on _skates_. I think that demonstrates that anybody who's ridden most of the way across the country on a _bicycle_ ought to have sufficient capabilities to make it under their own power to a worthy finish over the great bridge into Manhattan. To try to offer something to fill this gap, here's some notes on my skates between Newark and the GWB: http://roberts-1.com/sk8hv/v/w/gwb/t...05-reports.htm http://roberts-1.com/sk8hv/v/w/gwb/t...04-reports.htm Ken That reminds me. Someone at a recent bike club ride said that the Goethals Bridge is supposed to be open "soon" to bicycles. Anyone know? Also, Transportation Alternatives' website on Newark crossings at http://www.transalt.org/bridges/newark.html is terribly outdated about the 1-9 Lincoln Highway Bridge. The paths themselves are fairly full of debris, but their *approaches* are just gone, overgrown with weeds and bushes and their steps crumbled, in ruins. You can still brave a crossing, as I did, but you'll be only inches away from 70mph vehicles zooming by. Luckily, I had a police SUV pass me without incident, so perhaps it *is* all right to ride on the road itself...? As for the Adventure Cycling Atlantic Coast Section 2 map ending in Newark, well, that's been part of my criticism: one side of the map is full of text about nothing very important (stuff like native plants and local history can be found elsewhere quite easily), while the routes covered are squeezed on the other side into little (well, 3x6, actually -- but still rather claustrophobic) panels that north-orient every which way. Surely they could have done a few routes into NYC had they foregone all that text on the other side, including a big photo of an old lady on her bike riding along a rural road! I'd also like to suggest another way in (or, perhaps, out, if the GWB is used to get in) to the City: the Bayonne Bridge, into Staten Island, with the free ferry into Manhattan (all other ferries cost money). Lots of sights this way, too -- the more famous ones, actually, compared to the GWB. |
#3
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New Jersey riding into New York City
That reminds me. Someone at a recent bike club ride said that the Goethals Bridge is supposed to be open "soon" to bicycles. Anyone know? Doesn't sound right... the Goethals Bridge can barely fit cars as it is. Not only do I not see sufficient room on either side for a sidewalk that would fit a bicycle, but the entire structure is at/past the end of its service life and due either for major retrofit or replacement entirely - along with at least one new span. They may as well wait to finalize those plans and then work bikes into them. Also, Transportation Alternatives' website on Newark crossings at http://www.transalt.org/bridges/newark.html is terribly outdated about the 1-9 Lincoln Highway Bridge. The paths themselves are fairly full of debris, but their *approaches* are just gone, overgrown with weeds and bushes and their steps crumbled, in ruins. You can still brave a crossing, as I did, but you'll be only inches away from 70mph vehicles zooming by. Luckily, I had a police SUV pass me without incident, so perhaps it *is* all right to ride on the road itself...? If you're talking about 1/9 Truck, then you're allowed to ride in the roadway, as it's not a freeway. I would imagine the Pulaski Skyway (from NJ 81 to NJ 139) is, though, and thus would prohibit bikes on the main roadway. I'd also like to suggest another way in (or, perhaps, out, if the GWB is used to get in) to the City: the Bayonne Bridge, into Staten Island, with the free ferry into Manhattan (all other ferries cost money). Lots of sights this way, too -- the more famous ones, actually, compared to the GWB. Another reason why it's not necessary right away to convert the Goethals (however they'd plan to do that). |
#4
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New Jersey riding into New York City
Steve A. wrote:
That reminds me. Someone at a recent bike club ride said that the Goethals Bridge is supposed to be open "soon" to bicycles. Anyone know? Doesn't sound right... the Goethals Bridge can barely fit cars as it is. Not only do I not see sufficient room on either side for a sidewalk that would fit a bicycle, but the entire structure is at/past the end of its service life and due either for major retrofit or replacement entirely - along with at least one new span. They may as well wait to finalize those plans and then work bikes into them. I remember the Goethals used to have signs on the adjacent sidewalk about walking bikes over. There is a sidewalk on it separated by a barrier, but lately that bridge has been undergoing nightime repairs and getting closed all night from 9:30 pm til about 5am, so I'd have to check sometime when I'm going over to see if the sidewalk is clear or you could probably call the Port Authority for details. GK |
#5
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New Jersey riding into New York City
From somewhere in cyberspace, "Steve A." said:
That reminds me. Someone at a recent bike club ride said that the Goethals Bridge is supposed to be open "soon" to bicycles. Anyone know? Doesn't sound right... the Goethals Bridge can barely fit cars as it is. Not only do I not see sufficient room on either side for a sidewalk that would fit a bicycle Then you obviously haven't looked very carefully - the Goethals used to be open to bike-ped traffic until several years ago when the latest round of construction started. Yes, it's narrow and a bit scary in spots, but plenty of people crossed that bridge and lived to tell about it. , but the entire structure is at/past the end of its service life and due either for major retrofit or replacement entirely - along with at least one new span. They may as well wait to finalize those plans and then work bikes into them. Gee, if the bridge is in such bad shape, let's close it to cars and just let people bike over it. Wouldn't that be a lot safer? -- Ed Ravin | "The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as | well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the eravin@ | streets, and to steal bread." panix.com | --Anatole France, Le Lys Rouge [1894] |
#6
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New Jersey riding into New York City
There used to be a ferry from Perth Amboy to Staten Island does anyone
know if this still exists? Ed-The Catskill Eagle |
#7
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New Jersey riding into New York City
The Catskill Eagle wrote: There used to be a ferry from Perth Amboy to Staten Island does anyone know if this still exists? Ed-The Catskill Eagle Nope, it has been gone sice the 60's, but if you ever get the chance, the berths still exist in Tottenville and Perth Amboy and it is interesting walking down to them. There are sidewalks on either side of the Goethals Bridge, but judging from the above comments they are in pretty bad shape. I know the Port Authority is just starting to talk about a twin span for the Goethals. If that happens the existing span will be three lanes in one direction and they probably will rehab the sidewalks for bikes and peds. Take care, Randy in Tampa, FL, soon to return to NJ |
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New Jersey riding into New York City
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New Jersey riding into New York City
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