What's it like to bike in NYC? (A non bike messenger POV)

Meet interesting oncoming vehicles in bike lanes, passing lanes, no lanes ... when not riding at an absolutely-positively-have-to-be-there pace, it's not that hard or scary. Just obey the rules, smile lots and ride a cute little folding bike. More New York Adventures on a Friday at http://www.bikefriday.com/ny08

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• bike
• friday
• folding
• bicycle
• tikit
• new
• york
• ny
• cycling
• traffic
• cone
• bag

[mortiz157]

what type of bike do you use? and what brands or what type of bike would you suggest for manhattan?

[Galfromdownunder]

I ride a BIke Friday hyperfold tikit for commuting and reasonable day rides. I think a folding bike is perfect for Manhattan - something you have a much better chance of stashing inside rather than getting it ripped off in the street. Plus they're nimble little thangs...

[liutenghou]

wow, i knew there would be people parked in the bike lane, people salmoning, roller bladers, and careless taxis, but i didn't think you could see all those things within a minute.

[ericzed]

this was a great video, thanks for the upload! :-)

[Meneks]

@otterpat Lol are you being serious? Are you saying you DON'T raise the risk of getting hit by running a red??

I bike fast

I run red lights

I run stops

I skitch buses/cars/trucks

I ride in the middle of the street if necessary.

But saying not stopping at a red reduces you risks? lol...

[otterpat]

hi not to be disregardful but i do not stop at red lights because if you do thare is a higher risk of being hit if you put sum distance between you and the car or truck behind you that's a lot safer. that's just my opinion i am not saying i am right

[mulljacob]

I really enjoyed your video, I've watched it several times over the past few months. You give a really calm explanation about the bike paths and the problems with them. I have to say though that I generally treat stop signs as yield signs if there is a long line of sight both ways. I tend to stop at traffic lights though unless its sensor triggered and there's no traffic.

Make more riding videos, Gal!

[summ22]

isn't it dangeous? and what about all the exhaust gases

[gandhicakes]

Why don't you just buy a helmet camera??? Great video but probably much easier with two hands...

[mortiz157]

your just seriously so cool. this video was great. it really calmed my nerves about wanting to ride in the city.

[drexelur1]

Holding a camera with one hand, while riding in NYC? You are crazier than the messengers! (Advice: Use a helmet mount next time.)