Biking in New York City: The Dirty Facts

So I was going to this party with my friend in Brooklyn on the Fourth of July, and walking from the Prospect Park subway station I noticed these-

Bike paths. 

Actual, explicitly segregated bike paths alongside a two-lane road. I couldn't help myself- I stopped in my tracks to snap that pic. I needed proof. This was the kind of bike path I thought only existed in places like... like Disneyworld. Or, at least, hipster neighborhoods in Colorado. Based on where I live in Queens and where I work in Manhattan, I assumed biking was a fend-for-yourself kind of operation anywhere but an actual park, regardless of whether you were biking to work or in a large loop right back to where you started. I didn't realize that in a major metropolis, biking could be anything but a very dangerous game of survival-of-the-fittest with contestants battling erratic SUV's and randomly opening driver's doors, but here was the evidence- at least in this borough, bikers have rights. 

Of course, seeing the gorgeous paths winding through South Brooklyn is nice, but it doesn't help me much. Walking home that night, I glanced at my own street. It's big enough for me to bike with no problem, but I couldn't help but pout at the definitive absence of missing green paint and medians. After seeing the luxury of an actual bike lane, I became a little concerned. If actual bike lanes exist, what does that mean for areas without the lanes within the same city? This seems like it might be an issue. 

According to public record, NYC had about 170 miles of painted bike lanes in 2009, with other lanes either in progress or under planning. That's only a small fraction of the total mileage of roads in NYC overall, though- so for anyone biking on the regular roads, I checked. You can still bike anywhere, you just have to follow basic traffic laws. You're considered a vehicle, which means you don't have any particular right of way over traffic. This is less of an issue for a commuter, but that can make recreational biking less... well, recreational. 

Uhmmm... okay.

As someone who used to run, this is new to me. I'm used to getting the right of way, not to mention use of the sidewalks. I almost trashed the idea of getting a bike altogether- if I have to use the roads, I might as well just get a car and call it a night. It's not like I can bring my bike on the subway, right?

False. While looking up some of the bike path stats for the city, I came across some interesting information for recreational bikers and commuters alike-

First, some of the laws I found to make biking easier. In 2004, the city limited the number of cars that could drive through Central Park, then went on to limit the speed limit of said cars to 25 mph and grant the park an additional hour of car-free time in 2007. There's currently a movement to make Central Park completely car-free as well, and some people are pushing to allocate road funds specifically for speeding up the extension of bike lanes throughout the city. 

Then, for commuters. Here's what the city does to make your life easier, and what you need to know- according to a study done by the city, the number of people in New York commuting on bikes has almost doubled in the past decade. This makes sense, since roughly 40% of NYC residents live less than a dozen miles from where they work. The city has bike racks in most Metro North and LIRR stations, and is working on adding bike racks to regular city lines, but for now you can bring your bike onto the train with you with a permit, obtainable for no cost at Grand Central Station. In 2009, the city also added a law requiring buildings with freight elevators to permit employees to bring bikes into the office with them. 

Whether you're a commuter or a recreational biker, though, this caught my eye: Every May, NYC holds the 40-mile Five Boro Bike Tour for over 40,000 riders. It's the largest recreational cycling event in the United States, spanning all five borough and ending across the Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry. I think... I think I've found my new New York Marathon. 

This whole biking thing is still kind of a maze to me- it seems the more research I do about cycling, the more information I end up needing to find. It's kind of cool, though- my city's doing it's best to make biking a bigger thing. It's nice to see a road with more bikes than cars, as impractical as it is to imagine that might become the next big thing. I'm done rambling, though. Until next time... ride on! Catch ya on the flipside. 

Making Your Town More Bike Friendly: Bike Safety Tips and the Discussion of Infrastructure

With gas prices remaining at an uncomfortable over $3 and closer to $4 dollar price, commuters are continuously looking for alternatives to driving! The number of bike commuters is on the rise across the country which raises the topic of bike safety. The discussion tends to find its way to the battle between the driver and the cyclist, and who 'owns' the road. But, the problem also opens the less wanted discussion of infrastructure. Creating a safe cycling and driving relationship doesn't end at enforcement of laws (such as Merrill's Law - which states motorists must pass cyclists with a safe distance: recommended 3 feet).

So, let's think for a minute about these other, less discussed, and sometimes seemingly forgotten ways to help create and promote a safer bike community for everyone using the 'shared' roadways!

One thing many forget is that the condition of the road might dictate where a cyclist rides. So, we need to also consider things like road maintenance (paving roads frequented by cyclists and drivers). Other options include wider shoulders, dedicated bike lanes, improved bike path systems, and offering bike safety education for both cyclists and drivers.

Bike Safety Tips (for cyclists):

• Obey Traffic Signs/Signals (stop at red lights, and stop signs); Ride in a straight line;
• Make sure you are visible! Wear bright colored clothing, use reflectors and/or blinking headlights/tailights.
• Don't wear earphones;
• Use signals and thoroughly look before turning or changing lanes;
• Watch for car doors opening
• When you can, make eye contact with drivers;
• Use marked bike lanes when possible

 Bike Safety Tips (for drivers):

• Be mindful of cyclists (especially at intersections); Be mindful of poor road conditions and potential for a cyclist to swerve; Be alert;
• Pass to the left and at a safe distance (3 feet or more);
• Be patient. A cyclist is moving at a much slower speed (and using their own power)
• Check for cyclists before opening car doors or pulling over to parallel park;
• Familiarize yourself with both bike and driving safety tips; and Obey the Laws of the road;

Everyone has a right to use the roadways! And, we all have the responsibility of ensuring the roadways are safe for all. Be sure to also check your state's rules and regulations on cycling and driver safety.

Join the conversation! Share your experiences. Let us know of the dangerous intersections in your towns. Let us know of roadways in need of repair.

Bikepath Country's goal is to help preserve and expand the country's bike path system, as well as to promote a clean and healthy environment for the community. Contact us today to help your municipality raise money for their parks and recreation department.

Scenic Sunday Ride - Seven Lakes Dr

As I stepped out my door into the humid summer air carrying my bike I thought I must be out of my mind! But, onward I went, loaded the bike onto the bike rack and headed out on what would become my first 20 mile ride. I pulled into the parking area for Lake Skannatati, late, and found my friend (K) in a nice shaded area, waiting. We didn't waste any time, got our bikes ready to go and off we went!

We headed southwest on Seven Lakes Dr, and took the 1st exit at the traffic circle onto CR 106W. We were approaching a lake and I noticed an artist set up on the edge of the lake painting an incredible landscape of what the sign would shortly tell us was Lake Kanawauke. We continued on our adventure and I noticed the lake was filled with Kayakers embarking on their own summer adventures. All I could do was smile! Continuing on and up hill, my friend called out, "Did you see that buck?" I of course was quite focused on getting up the hill and didn't have anything but the top in my eyesight. (TIP: While riding through beautiful scenery, remember to look up every once in a while!!). We made it to Little Long Pond, which has a nice little beach at the far end, and folks were taking advantage of natures swimming pool!

The next leg was a pretty steady incline which eventually came to a spot that overlooked Lake Stahahe. The beauty in making it to the top of a hill is what comes after...a much needed (at least for me) downhill coast!!! As we got to the bottom of the hill, K pulled off so I followed him. He had quite the smirk on his face and pointed up to the highway, "that's the thruway," he said. I had my own smirk and nodded. For those of you who don't know the area, we had two options. One, ride back up the long, windy, hilly road we came down. Or, take RT 17 down, and up its own hills to the other end of Seven Lakes Dr. Of course going back wasn't an option! We finally made it to Seven Lakes Dr, and found a shaded area to pull off for a well deserved break!

As we sat there catching up, our conversation was interrupted by the sound of distant thunder and a dark looking sky coming our way. "Looks like we'll be chasing the storm," I said. "More like the storm will be chasing us," K replied. And just like that, back on the bikes we got! What I didn't know, this part of Seven Lakes Dr. is pretty much one big steady incline. Slow and steady I thought, and I did...and a long while later after passing Lake Sebago, and the other end of Lake Kanawauke we saw signs for the traffic circle! Of course I found a sudden burst of energy at the end of this 20 mile ride, and sped on back to the parking area for Lake Skannatati.

If you aren't familiar with Harriman State Park or Seven Lakes Drive, I would suggest doing some exploring. Be sure to download the free cycling navigation app from Bikepath Country before you go and plan the perfect ride for you.

Bikepath Country App for Android:
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WEEK ONE: HOW DO I FIND A BIKE IN MY PRICE RANGE?

So I've spent the past week biking at the local gym on the stationary, and I think I'm ready to actually buy a bike. Key word- THINK. I haven't owned a bike since I was about fifteen. It was a teal, sturdy, shiny mountain bike- great for careening down flood ditches, not-so-great for actually getting anywhere. Ergo, my preliminary Wikipedia search on 'types of bikes'. I'm mildly overwhelmed. Just as subheadings, there are 3 different ways I can categorize the type of bike I want- FUNCTION, FRAME DESIGN, AND PROPULSION. Then, there's price ranges- according to my first few google searches, I could be spending anywhere from an entry-level $350-$400 on a TOURING BIKE, which I've determined is what I need, to somewhere in the horrifying four digits.

Of course, this is incredible in perspective- my first car, a silver 2001 Honda CR-V with a cassette player and a VERY loud air conditioner determined to blow every important receipt out the window, cost me a solid $9,000 used. Add in the gas I fed that thing weekly, and this is a bargain in comparison- but I'm happy to have an extra $300 at the end of the month to splurge on a new pair of J Brand skinnies, much less buy an adequate bike. Before my next post, I'll be making a trip to the downtown REI to find the bike for me- but first, I'm going to compile what's necessary in a bike and what's not. 

FIRST- MAKE SURE IT'S ACTUALLY THE TYPE OF BIKE YOU NEED. Unless you plan on high-speed chases down Henry St. or attempting to spend next summer touring the Appalachians, you don't need a fancy racing bike or a mountain bike. Cruisers are fine for most commuters- but touring bikes are made to carry more on the bike itself, and distribute the weight more evenly so you aren't dying as you push yourself that last mile from Trader Joe's to your apartment. Make sure you don't buy a touring bike if you never plan on carrying more than what you can fit on your back, and make sure you don't end up with the cutest little red cruiser if you're constantly going to be lugging things. 

SECOND- MAKE SURE YOU AREN'T SWAYED BY THINGS YOU DON'T NEED. In an article on Touring Bikes by John Schubert, he takes a stab at racing tires. 'The racer-wannabees in cycling have an irrational affection for skinny tires. Don’t

let them influence you'. He's right- skinny tires are going to get flying up 2nd Ave faster than sturdier tires, but they aren't going to be able to withstand the printer you strap to your back carriage next March when you move crosstown. On the other hand, Schubert recommends you add fenders to touring bikes that don't already have them. Make sure you don't waste money on things like a fancy-looking back rack that only clips onto the seat, since they can't carry much. Shop around, and make sure you're talking to someone who really cares about you and your bike. 

THIRD- TEST RIDE IT! Don't let anyone convince you to buy a bike before you've test-ridden it, no matter how friendly they seem. My dad never got why I always wore Nikes and my little brother always wore New Balance, but as a runner, I knew- you can't judge a shoe by the brand. Make sure the bike is actually right for you, or you'll have spent a pretty penny for nothing. 

Off to research some more! Ride on, catch ya on the flipside. 

JOURNEY TO A BIKE: FROM FEET TO WHEELS

Since high school, I've been 'the runner'. My little brother and I would get up at the crack of dawn every morning to race through our neighborhood, then I'd usually head back to the treadmills when the sun went down after a long day of school or work, and run again until I could barely walk. I ran marathons in Houston and Galveston, and then a few in New York- but haven't been pounding out footprint rhythms since early May, when I broke my ankle. It was bad enough when I was on crutches, but even when I could walk again I couldn't run. The doctor told me to be as active as I wanted, so long as it didn't involve too much stress on my ankle. It was driving me crazy- my legs felt achy from disuse, I couldn't sleep… then I slept too much. So I decided to talk to the doctor about rehab. He said my ankle was healing fantastically- but a stress fracture from running tends to discourage running in the future. I might get back into 5k's soon enough, but I doubt I'll be running any marathons in the near future… so I'm on the hunt for a bike.

I've started with the stationary bike at my gym, but I live in New York City- where's a better place to have a bike than Queens? It sure beats the bus, and it'll keep me active. So as of 48 hours ago, I've become a future cyclist- and I hope you all get a kick out of following my journey.

Don't just read along, though. Have any particularly wise tips about biking? Recommend one brand or model over another? What's your favorite diet to keep yourself from crashing after a 10-mile ride? Feel free to comment, suggest, and advise- and if you have any questions, feel free to ask those, too. Whether it's something I can already answer or something I'll happily try out to provide the info for you, we can all learn together.

Until next time- ride safely! 

How Bike Friendly is Your Town?

With the number of bike commuters on the rise, people are showing quite the concern for bike safety in towns all across America. What exactly is it that gives a city that bike friendly title? And, what can you do to help your town get there? One thing I've noticed is that climate doesn't have a thing to do with it!

Here are the top 50 bike friendly cities according to Bicycling Magazine:

    1. Minneapolis, Minnesota
    2. Portland, Oregon
    3. Boulder, Colorado
    4. Seattle, Washington
    5. Eugene, Oregon
    6. San Francisco, California
    7. Madison, Wisconsin
    8. New York, New York
    9. Tucson, Arizona
    10. Chicago, Illinois
    11. Austin, Texas
    12. Denver, Colorado
    13. Washington, D.C.
    14. Ann Arbor, Michigan
    15. Phoenix/Tempe, Arizona
    16. Gainesville, Florida
    17. Albuquerque, New Mexico
    18. Colorado Springs, Colorado
    19. Salem, Oregon
    20. Scottsdale, Arizona
    21. Louisville, Kentucky
    22. Chattanooga, Tennessee
    23. Long Beach, California
    24. Cary, North Carolina
    25. Milwaukee, Wiscosin
    26. Boston, Massachusetts
    27. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    28. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    29. Charleston, South Carolina
    30. Arlington, Virginia
    31. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    32. Boise, Idaho
    33. Kansas City, Missouri
    34. Columbus, Ohio
    35. Tulsa, Oklahoma
    36. Grand Rapids, Michigan
    37. Billings, Montana
    38. St. Louis, Missouri
    39. Cleveland, Ohio
    40. Greensboro, North Carolina
    41. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
    42. Omaha, Nebraska
    43. Salt Lake City, Utah
    44. Miami, Florida
    45. Indianapolis, Indiana
    46. Fargo, North Dakota
    47. Anchorage, Alaska
    48. Baltimore, Maryland
    49. Little Rock, Arkansas
    50. Rochester, New York

As it turns out, the Twin Cities have quite the bike infrastructure. Not only do they have 84 miles of dedicated bike paths, as well as 44 miles of designated bike lanes on streets, but they also have plans for another 40 miles of designated bike lanes. Busses and trains have bike carrying capabilities and office buildings are required to have bicycle storage. In addition to their infrastructure there is also a huge community of cyclists.

So, all that being said, how bike friendly do you consider your town? Do you have dedicated bike lanes, municipal bike racks, and public trans equipped with bike carrying capabilities? Is there a local bike culture? What about a bike co-op, bike shares or swaps? What would cause you to leave your car in the driveway and start taking riding your 2 wheels to work?

Bikepath Country is working to help municipalities raise money for parks and recreation departments in order to help preserve and expand our country's bike path system. If you're looking for some ideas on how to help your town raise money, be sure to contact us today!

Bikepath Country Navigation App Now Available for Android, iPhone and iPad

The Bikepath Country App is now available for Android, iPhone and iPad users.

The Bikepath Country app is a Free Navigation application for cyclists. It can be used to get point to point cycling directions, as well as to find popular rides in your area. All you need to do is enter your zip code or city and Bikepath Country will do the rest. When searching for a featured ride, the app provides distance, ascent and the name associated with each ride, allowing you to select the perfect ride for the day.

Enter in your GPS location and keep track of your exact location throughout your ride. This new and free tool can come in exceptionally handy for cyclists of all abilities. Keep track of your mileage by Mapping Your Ride, and take control of your health and fitness this summer!

Give the Bikepath Country app a spin today!
Android Users Click Here to Download the Bikepath Country App

iPhone and iPad Users Click Here to Download the Bikepath Country App