Biking in Astoria

Biking in Astoria

Exciting!

And makes me happy I voted for Janette… I mean Mike. The plans for 34th St. as reported in the Times. I’d like to go on the record right now as saying their prediction of an “up to 35 percent” increase in crosstown bus speed as a vast underestimate (so they can gloat later). Mr.…
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Queensboro Bridge, Manhattan Side

Horrible bridge access is the weak link for any Queens to Manhattan commute. Improvements here would be the best way to positively impact and improve the commute for a large number of riders. Best of all, it can be done with very little money and no (God forbid) hindrance to motorists. It just takes will.…
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Our Queensboro Bridge (Manhattan Side)

I’m kind of afraid to write about this less somebody “corrects” the situation. But on the Manhattan side of the Queensboro Bridge, it’s been great ever since the barrier blocking the pedestrian and bike exit has been nudged to the side. Pedestrians no longer have to climb over a dirty metal barrier. And bicyclists going…
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Talking Traffic

There’s a good interview in Streetsblog: It would make me feel warm and fuzzy if Kelly said that bike safety was a top priority. But that wouldn’t do anything to change the car-centered attitude of the rank-and-file. …sometimes what is needed for traffic violations is simple mind-numbing zero-tolerance enforcement. It’s grunt work.…even if I could…
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Three Cheers for Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes

He’s actually charging a driver for killing a bicyclist. Usually to get away with manslaughter all a driver has to do is stay at the scene and not be drunk. By the normal rules, the bicyclist would be blamed for biking without a bell.

NYC and helmets

Helmets are such a touchy subject among bicyclists. I suppose it’s like recycling. I do it. It can’t hurt. It might help. But in the long run and in the big picture, it really doesn’t mater what you or I do. Seriously. And unlike recycling, where ever little bit matters (a very little bit), there…
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A Walking Tour of Astoria With Sam Lipsyte

A good read. With pictures!

Anatomy of a non-fall

I like biking in snow. Think of all the cool things you’ve done on a bike… lost to the wind. But in snow, there’s proof of your actions. I was biking home last night and went to turn off the road at my house. My front wheel skidded and I caught myself (I wasn’t going…
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Broadway to stay open to pedestrians!

Half of me says, with a heavy dose of sarcasm, “What a surprise!” The other half of me breaths a huge sigh of relief and says, “Thanks fucking God!” Thank you, Mike! I was worried, but it’s OK. (and I especially liked how the other day you said, “People will say, ‘Ay yi yi, I…
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The 40 Year Old Biker

So I just saw “The 40 Year Old Virgin” (so, I’m a little behind the times). Very funny movie. I laughed. I cried… I cried because I’ve seen such an anti-bike movie in my life. Not only is biking for losers and nerds, it epitomizes loser and nerd! And then, because of course the hero…
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