From the Official Newsletter of NYC DOT's Bike Program
Most seasoned New York City cyclists have a love-hate relationship with
the Brooklyn Bridge. The majestic skyline views and the architecture of
the bridge itself are alluring. So alluring in fact that thousands of
tourists, not to mention third grades classes from Tulsa, fill the path
daily, causing congestion and sometimes conflict. Many tourists don't
know the rules of the path (cyclists stay on the north side,
pedestrians on the south) and cyclists, dealing with the day-in and
day-out stream of visitors grow frustrated and often resort to yelling
or other inconsiderate behavior.
Last year a tourist was seriously injured by a cyclist on the Brooklyn Bridge. While this kind of incident is rare, it is still unacceptable.
In order to alleviate some of this tension and to provide safer conditions, the DOT recently upgraded the signage and markings on the Brooklyn Bridge bicycle and pedestrian path. The new markings make the separation between the bike and pedestrian path more distinct, hopefully improving communications with the non-English speaking path users. DOT has also practiced a bit of traffic calming for bikes - by painting a new stripe on the bike path side, the path is visually narrowed, encouraging cyclists to ride more slowly and making the varying and sometimes quite narrow width of the bicycle lane conspicuously apparent.
The DOT also relocated the crosswalk and installed new flexible bollards near the Brooklyn side of the bridge, where the stairs go down into DUMBO. These new bollards protect pedestrians as they are transitioning onto the bridge and give them a moment to consider that faster moving cyclists are also using the path. New "Cyclists Yield to Pedestrians" signs will be placed at and in advance of the crosswalk later this month.
Cyclists in New York City are required to have a bell by law. Put it to use on the Brooklyn Bridge path if you are passing pedestrians or need them to clear out of the bike lane. A ding works much better than a shout and the good reputation of New Yorkers will be enhanced if your ringing bell is accompanied with a smile and "thank you". Moderate your speed on the down hill part of your trip - that will do the most to keep everyone safe and in good spirits.
If you're at the end of your patience, consider taking the nearby Manhattan Bridge north side bicycle path, pedestrians have their own path on the south side giving cyclists a less stressful trip over the East River (and some fresh new views too).
Last year a tourist was seriously injured by a cyclist on the Brooklyn Bridge. While this kind of incident is rare, it is still unacceptable.
In order to alleviate some of this tension and to provide safer conditions, the DOT recently upgraded the signage and markings on the Brooklyn Bridge bicycle and pedestrian path. The new markings make the separation between the bike and pedestrian path more distinct, hopefully improving communications with the non-English speaking path users. DOT has also practiced a bit of traffic calming for bikes - by painting a new stripe on the bike path side, the path is visually narrowed, encouraging cyclists to ride more slowly and making the varying and sometimes quite narrow width of the bicycle lane conspicuously apparent.
The DOT also relocated the crosswalk and installed new flexible bollards near the Brooklyn side of the bridge, where the stairs go down into DUMBO. These new bollards protect pedestrians as they are transitioning onto the bridge and give them a moment to consider that faster moving cyclists are also using the path. New "Cyclists Yield to Pedestrians" signs will be placed at and in advance of the crosswalk later this month.
Cyclists in New York City are required to have a bell by law. Put it to use on the Brooklyn Bridge path if you are passing pedestrians or need them to clear out of the bike lane. A ding works much better than a shout and the good reputation of New Yorkers will be enhanced if your ringing bell is accompanied with a smile and "thank you". Moderate your speed on the down hill part of your trip - that will do the most to keep everyone safe and in good spirits.
If you're at the end of your patience, consider taking the nearby Manhattan Bridge north side bicycle path, pedestrians have their own path on the south side giving cyclists a less stressful trip over the East River (and some fresh new views too).
Contrast that with MoCo's response to conflict on the CCT (speed limits, speed bumps)
Comments