… I was just having a much-needed relaxing lunch with Newman and I mentioned that if this went into next week, I’d really be looking into borrowing a bike and biking in to work because the car thing is going to get real old, real fast, and I hate being a part of the traffic problem.
He nearly spit his drink out laughing.
While he doesn’t think I’d DIE, exactly, (those were your words, Newman) he thinks I’d probably have some very funny stories involving my face and the pavement.
Do the rest of you think this too? Are there any expert city bikers out there that think it’d be the height of stupidity to take up biking during this strike? Or would you suggest I proceed with caution but go ahead and give it a shot?
Advice? Hoots of laughter? Snide remarks?
apropos of nothing…
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anything, but anything is better then WALKING. I’m staying on the upper west side tonight, instead of heading back to Park slope because I cannot face walking over the brooklyn bridge one more time. It’s pretty and all, but my legs are protesting.
I would advise anything BUT biking in the city. Walk it, crawl it, scoot around on your butt if you have to, but in the name of all that is holy in the holidays, don’t bike it.
I don’t know much about you and your capabilities, but… biking should be just fine. Not that I’ve done it — too chilly for me! My boss biked up 5th ave, which was clear of cars, and had a grand grand time. Use the streets that are closed to traffic and you’ll have a nice — and pretty special for NY — ride. Just be careful and bundle up.
Having a few issues posting the links, but Lifehacker.com had 2 good posts yesterday or the day before about riding you bike in the city in winter and “instant carpooling” – they might help. Good luck!
I commute by bike occasionally (in Texas though), so I might know a little bit about the idea.
You’re probably going to be on the sidewalk, rather than on the road (which is where you should be). Dodging in and out of people-traffic is a lot harder (and slower) than you think, so make sure your balance is good, and make sure you don’t use toe-clips (unless you’re really good).
Remember to dress warm. Remember to add one layer of wind-breaker to your warm clothes. Remember to add about 10mph worth of extra wind-chill.
It’s horrid.
Krissa! given that you’re such a consumate NYer, I am surprised you’ve never done any biking in the city. It’s a really fun thing to do, although not ideal in this weather.
I’ve biked a bit in the city before this, and have been biking from midtown the last two days, staying at my dad’s instead of my place in Astoria. It might be moot by tomorrow since the strike is lifting, but there are some avenues blocked to traffic, so I’d say stick to those (Gopi, bikes are NOT allowed on the sidewalks in NYC; you’ll get a ticket). Also, the city has put up bike lanes on a couple avenues, namely B’way and Lafayette, so those are good to ride in as well. If you can find a “pack” or even just another biker or two, try to ride w/in a close range of them. Safety in numbers for sure, and also a kind of cool cameraderie among those who choose “alternative transit.”
Just MAKE SURE you have a helmet. And be alert. Car doors open without warning, pedestrians listen to their iPods, cars cut you the hell off, all that stuff you learned in driver’s ed about being a “defensive driver” is imperative when it comes to biking. It can be kind of scary, but it’s also an AMAZING way to a)see the city and b)get exercise to boot.
Being a fellow Astorian, I will warn you that the 59th St. Bridge, like the Wu-Tang Clan, ain’t nuthin’ to fuck wit. It’s a tough tough climb, and you might decide that given the wind you’ll encounter up there, you prefer the two hours in your car, but it’s totally worth a try.
Another tip on clothing: wear thin, breathable layers. If you’re wearing a t-shirt under a sweater under your coat, then put the sweater in your bag and just bike in the t-shirt (NOT cotton, preferably b/c when you sweat it gets cold) and your jacket. You’ll warm up in no time and get sweaty. Also, take a thin scarf and wrap it around your chin and mouth to keep from breathing in such cold cold air. Use another scarf to wrap around your neck and chest to keep warm. And gloves. And finally, HAVE FUN!!!!
Merry Xmas, Krissa
Cheers
forest
Forest, that was SUCH an awesome amount of information. I feel like, just because so many people have been so kind about filling me in, I owe it to y’all to try biking to work a few days someday soon.
And Gopi, beyond being illegal, some big beefy dude will totally just cuff you because he doesn’t like that you’re biking on his walkway. Bad, bad idea!