Biking in Astoria

Biking in Astoria

A great idea

Pop-up cafes in parking spots. “But where will we store our cars for free, at the expense of all taxpayers?”

Cities and Bike Culture

About the Netherlands. From the NYT: But while many Americans see their cars as an extension of their individual freedom, to some of us owning a car is a burden, and in a city a double burden. I find the recrafting of the city in order to lessen — or eliminate — the need for…
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Thank you, Ray

He built the Queensplaza improvements. And the bike lane… in Queensplaza, the one that means we don’t have to bike the wrong way up Queensplaza North, is finally OPEN!

Biking across Central Park

If you want biking sympathy from non-bike riders, throw this fact at them: you can’t bike across Central Park. It always works. Most people are somewhat shocked. This state of affairs may be starting to change, according to the Times. I’d still like a way to bike through the park on the south side, since…
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I see England, I see France…

There are many why I like biking in Amsterdam: Cars give you right of way; pedestrians give you right of way; there are nice bike paths; distances are short; you’re considered normal; there are good, practical bikes; you casually meet friend biking in the other direction… Man the list goes on and on. But one…
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If only!

Bike lane added to Second Ave. Subway: Dana Muskowitz, spokesman for the Gotham Motorists Association, expressed bewilderment at the plan, stating “our city’s relentless promotion of a trivial hobby at the expense of drivers’ urgent needs has reached unacceptable heights. Seriously, is the Mayor in the pocket of the front-mounted basket industry?” Wolfson acknowledged that…
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Queensplaza

Progressing at a snail’s pace, the Queensplaza bike line has got to open soon. Can they work any slower? Anyway, it’s looking pretty good. And it really does tackle the mess that soon will be was Queensplaza.

The Oldest Manhole Cover in Astoria

OK, I just made that up, but it may be true. I suspect this cover and the granite slab predate the dissolution of Long Island City in 1898. That’s old! Where is this gem? Hiding in plain sight at Trade Fair, at the corner of 30th and 30th. I actually noticed the old stone first…
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The First Late-Night NYC Subway Map

I love the subway. Hey, stop your bitching… it’s great. I wouldn’t swap it for any other subway in the world. And yet, it sure can be frustrating, especially at night. Now before I start bitching, let me say we should be grateful. Our subway is one of the only systems in the world that…
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Cycle Cops: 1918

Washington, D.C., 1918. “District of Columbia parks — park policemen.” From Shorpy. Happy Opening Day!