Thinking about a bike commute? Learn
New York City’s rules of the road and get safety tips for
surviving the urban jungle.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Bicycling in New
York City
New York City’s Department of Transportation offers tips
and rules for riding in the city, including how to stay safe in
traffic and what equipment your bike is required to have.
Read
the do's and don'ts of safe bicycling.
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More Tips for Safe, Healthy, Comfortable Riding
The League of American Bicyclists offers tons of free fact sheets
on everything from changing lanes to riding in the rain.
Visit
the League of American Bicyclists.
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Enter to Win a Fuji Bike!
New York City riders can enter for a
chance to win a brand new Fuji Kyoto flatbar road bike!
Enter now.
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Light Up for a Safe Commute
Lights are essential for foul-weather and evening commutes. Buy
a lamp for your handlebars and blinking lights for your seatpost
and helmet.
Another way to stay visible: SCOTCH REFLECTIVE TAPE can be cut
into 1-inch sections and stuck to rims; because they’re
in motion, they’re more noticeable to drivers than a steady
light, and you’ll never forget them like you might a rear
blinker.
Visit 3M
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Avoiding Urban Hazards
If you’re coming to a drainage grate, and the slits are
small enough that they won’t eat a tire, or your wheel angle
is perpendicular to the openings, go ahead and roll over it, letting
your momentum carry you over. If the grate is a wheel-biter, slow
down and look back to be sure traffic is clear before swerving.
-- Bicycling magazine
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From what you wear, to what you ride, your equipment is your best
friend when you’re out on the road.
Equip Yourself for the Winter Commute
Tips from our friends at Bicycling magazine:
FENDERS are a must when the weather gets soggy. A clip-on such
as the SKS X-Blade ($27) will keep your rear dry; for full coverage,
try Planet Bike’s Freddy Fenders ($35).
Visit SKS-Germany
Visit Planetbike
HAND/FOOT WARMERS get warm instantly and stay that way for hours.
Put them by your toes and don’t wear double socks—if
your shoes are too tight and you cut off circulation, you won’t
be able to feel the heat. Pick some up at a camping-supply store.
A GOOD CYCLOCROSS TIRE will keep you from going down, even if
you encounter only moderate slush. We like the Tufo Elite Cyclocross
LPS ($99) and the Maxxis Locust ($37).
Visit
Tufo North America
Visit Kenda
AMBER LENSES are ideal for gray, flat or low light conditions
and will protect your eyes from road spray. You can get a polarized
sienna lens with Smith’s Catalyst ($99).
Visit Smithsport
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Don’t Forget the Bike
The one essential component of a bike commute? The bike! Fuji
has four styles that are perfect for commuting.
Learn more.
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Carrying Your Gear
A messenger bag looks cool, but if your commute takes longer than
10 minutes, it could injure your back. Use a backpack or a seatpost
rack. Bicycling magazine recommends Topeak’s $48 MTX Beam
Rack—no braze-ons required.
Visit Topeak
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Before you leave home, plan your route
and learn where to leave your bike – and how to lock it so
it’s there when you return Riding
in the City
Stay safe by sticking to car-free greenway paths and on-street
bike lanes. For info, check out the 2005 New York City Cycling
Map, available from the Department of City Planning:
View
New York City Cycling Map
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Getting In and Out of Manhattan
These bridges have DESIGNATED BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN LANES:
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Henry Hudson Bridge
- Macombs Dam Bridge
- Madison Avenue Bridge
- Manhattan Bridge
- Queensboro Bridge
- Third Avenue Bridge
- Triborough Bridge
- University Heights Bridge
- Washington Bridge
- George Washington Bridge
(note: the GW is closed 12 am to 5 am)
- Williamsburg Bridge
Download
the Pedestrian and Bike Access Map (.pdf)
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Where to Park…Your Bike
The Parks Department is adding temporary bicycle storage areas
in:
- Washington Square Park
- Tompkins Square Park
- Union Square Park
- Madison Square Park
- Bryant Park
Bicycle storage areas will be staffed by the Parks Department
from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Look for signs marked "Temporary
Bike Storage, Transit Strike".
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Locking Your Bike
1. Use a FLAT KEY U-Lock to secure the frame and rear wheel to
a bike rack or other fixed object.
2. Use a CABLE LOCK to secure the front wheel.
3. Alternatively you can use a U-Lock with a cable loop.
4. Two different types of locks require different tools to defeat
and therefore make your bike a less desirable target!
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