bicycling in new york (Pelham, Boston: school, live in, dangerous)

[triton1]

isn't it true that sidewalk bicycling is illegal in new york city? if so, exactly which boroughs have banned bicycles from sidewalks?

[009]

NYCDOT - New York City Traffic Rules and Regulations for Bicycles (That Apply to Bicycles)

"4-07 (c) - Restrictions on crossing sidewalks
3. Driving bikes on sidewalks is prohibited unless sign allows or wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and rider under 14 years of age. See also Administrative Code ¤19-176."

[triton1]

anyone else have any comment on this?

[Elvira Black]

In Central Park, they have bike lanes, so you can ride there. It's too congested to ride on the sidewalks anyway. Some people ride in the street (not the sidewalks), alongside the traffic (including bicycle messengers) but it's kind of hairy/scary. But some folks do it.

But sometimes you'll see a whole group of cyclists riding through an area. In the Bronx, for example, I think there's more places where bikers can get together for organized rides and I've heard of annual bike a thons or something there..

[NativeBronxite]

I'm a year round bike commuter, and I live in the Bronx. My old commute to school was five miles each way during the week, and 15 miles to work on the weekend. At my new job the commute is shorter during the week - about 2.5 miles each way.

Yes, it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk. Three years ago I got a summons for riding my bike on the sidewalk along Boston Road in the Pelham Parkway section of the Bronx. As other posters have already noted however, more often than not the sidewalks are too congested to ride on. Studies have also shown that it is more dangerous to ride on sidewalks as well. If you're traveling at any kind of real speed you're liable to hit a pedestrian, or get hit by a car at intersections.

I would recommend you go to your local bike shop and get a copy of the NYC bike map. It's a very big, two sided detailed map of the city which shows you which streets are good to bike on (bike lanes, low traffic, ample shoulder) and which ones to avoid (high traffic, little room).

I'd be happy to answer any of your questions here, but I'd also highly recommend Bike Forums - lots of very experienced cyclists in NYC and other parts of the country who can give you invaluable advice.

[straightshooter]

Originally Posted by NativeBronxite

I'd be happy to answer any of your questions here

i was thinking of biking from bay ridge to brooklyn heights (court st. and montague st.). any suggestions on safe routes to take?

[Concept]

take the bqe. lol

[NativeBronxite]

Originally Posted by straightshooter

i was thinking of biking from bay ridge to brooklyn heights (court st. and montague st.). any suggestions on safe routes to take?

I'm afraid not - not familiar with that part of the city. This map would be a good start, but the physical version you can get at bike shops is even better. I know that posters on Bike Forums in the Northeast board would be able to answer you though. Lots of NYC commuters and messengers.

[straightshooter]

thanks, bro. that helps a lot, actually.

[NativeBronxite]

No problem.