How to drive a bike in New York. Xnumx tips

In New York, a bicycle as a mode of transport is less popular than a taxi or subway, but is gaining popularity every day. This was facilitated by the system of bicycle sharing. Bike can be taken to any of the special automatic rental stations and returned to any other, which has free seats.

ForumDaily decided to figure out what can and what can not be done by cyclists.

To get a free map of the New York cycle routes, you need to call 311 or visit the website nyc.gov/bikes.

Rules for cycling in New York:

• Give way to pedestrians;
• Stop at a red light and in front of the “STOP” sign;
• Drive in the direction of traffic;
• Driving on sidewalks is not allowed (does not apply to children under the age of 13 years);
• Use the call to notify others about your presence;
• At night, turn on white front lights and red rear lights;
• Do not use more than one headset while driving.

Bicycle helmets in New York

According to the laws of the state of New York, helmets are mandatory for cyclists under the age of 13.

74% of deaths among cyclists occur as a result of a head injury.

Since 2007, the New York City Transportation Authority has distributed more than 75 000 free helmets of appropriate sizes. You can call the 311 number and sign up for a helmet fitting.

Common mistakes when wearing a helmet

Helmets are only effective if worn correctly.

Avoid these common mistakes to get the most out of the helmet:

• Helmet offset. The helmet should be worn smoothly and be positioned two fingers wide above the eyebrows.
• Belts badly tightened. Make sure the belts are tight. Under the belt should fit only 2 finger.
• The size. The helmet should fit snugly to the head, not dangle on it. Use the foam pads that come with the helmet, or the internal tensioner to adjust the helmet.
• Helmet orientation The widest part of the helmet should rest against the back of the head. Most helmets have a sticker on the inside indicating the front.

How to put a bike in a building

If you work in a commercial office building with a freight elevator, the law “Bikes in Buildings” provides for your employer to allow you access to the building with a bicycle.

How can an employer request a bicycle parking space inside the building:

• The employer determines the number of bikes to be placed;
• The employer refers to the owner or manager of the building with the request of the tenant to park the bicycle;
• Within 30 days after receiving the request, the building owner must: implement and post Bicycle Access Plan or within 15 days after receiving the tenant’s request, apply for an exemption in connection with A) with the organization of alternative bicycle parking or B) with the absence of freight elevators in the building.

Know your stripes

The bicycle infrastructure in New York has a total length of more than 800 miles and is divided into three categories:

• Bike Lane. Street bike lanes are protected from traffic by parked cars or a physical barrier. Outdoor bike lanes are located along the coastline of the city and in many parks.
• Bicycle lane. Bicycle lanes are marked on the roadway, usually located near the parking lane and marked with a bicycle marking. Some lanes are separated from car traffic with a special colored buffer.
• Common lanes. Common lanes are used by both cyclists and drivers. They are marked with special markings “sharrows” (bicycle image with double angle brackets) and road signs. This marking is at a sufficient distance from the edge of the sidewalk to prevent collision with opening car doors.

Thanks to the bicycle lanes protected by parking lanes, the number of injuries resulting from accidents involving cyclists, pedestrians and cars has decreased by almost 60%.

How to turn

• Look over your shoulder and horn before turning or changing lanes;
• Check again to make sure the maneuver is safe;
• Signal your hand to let drivers know what you are going to do;

• Do not change quickly from strip to strip. Signal your intended direction of travel in advance;
• If you are not sure when you enter the traffic or turn around, stop at the sidewalk and wait for the cars to pass.

Resources for cyclists in New York:

New York City

The program for cyclists of the New York City Transportation Administration nyc.gov/bikes

New York City Planning Department nyc.gov/planning

New York City Parks and Recreation Office nyc.gov/parks

The program for cyclists citybikenyc.com

Organizations for the education of cycling and cyclists

Bike New York (free bike riding) bikenewyork.org

Bike the Bronx (protecting the interests of cyclists in the Bronx) bikethebronx.com

Recycle-A-Bicycle (youth bike program) recycleabicycle.org

Transportation Alternatives (protecting the interests of cyclists and pedestrians) transalt.org

VeloCity (a program for educating young people in cycling) velocity-rides.org.

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