Hi F&F,
This Sunday was the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. The 40 mile route takes thousands of cyclists through all the boroughs, including the best borough, Brooklyn. In fact, the tour passes not far from where I live and it does pass right in front of where I work.
Getting to work on tour day was no fun. This is, especially, true for me because I harbor a deep seeded fear (perhaps, more of an anxiety) of being hit by a bicycle. Thankfully, I’ve never been hit with a bike (I have been hit by a car), but I’ve been a witness to some horrendous accidents. Its staggering how, on the surface, a bicycle that seems so innocuous and user-friendly; can cause a whole heap of damage. As New York prepares to roll out an expansive bike share program; I must admit, as a bipedal, I’m a little anxious for my safety.
But for now, I successfully crossed Flushing Avenue, on Sunday. It is a good first step in surmounting my anxiety over what the city streets may become once the Citi Bike is in place and a zillion “cyclotourists” climb onboard.
For this week’s photo challenge, I’m sharing a view of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. I felt so much better watching the bikes pass by from my elevated vantage point; safely from above it all; far from the buzzing wheels.
Peace,
ATreeGrowsinBklyn
Related articles
- Thousands To Ride In 5 Boro Bike Tour (wnyc.org)
- On the 5 Boro Bike tour (mbcoudal.com)
- 5 Boro Bike Tour (alliebrownphotoblog.wordpress.com)
atreegrowsinbklyn 
Relax. Bike are not that scary
Yes; bikes and bicyclists can be scary. I am anticipating a steep learning curve for folks who don’t know how to shift gears, break smoothly, negotiate vehicular and pedestrian traffic or manage the typical urban obstacle course. I have a friend who is an ED nurse and she’s slightly dreading this.
a lot safer than a car.
I think that is true. Of course; there are a significantly higher number of drivers and cars on the road than there are cyclists and bikes, currently on the road.. Also, there is a world of difference between 4,000 lbs. of metal hurtling down the road vs. 30 lbs.
But I do appreciate the fact that bikes are quite. I try not to sneak up on people.
That’s good.
A girl who used to babysat my kids was mowed down by a bike messenger in downtown Boston…She had such severe injuries from being jettisoned, she wound up in ICU!
So I’m with you….I’d rather see bikes from above than at street level!
That’s a dreadful story.
This brings back memories.
Good ones, I hope. 🙂
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Hi A – great to see you on a regular basis again!
No need to be scared of these particular riders – most cyclists respect the rules and break them only when they feel it’s totally safe for pedestrians. There are exceptions, of course, but that’s almost always the case.
Delivery cyclists are a different story. In fact, my biggest fear is getting t-boned by one of these guys while riding myself. Just take some extra caution before you cross the street, even with the light; this will protect you against both bikes and cars.
One reason cyclists are often perceived as aggressive is because they are just trying to stay alive – they rightly fear the cars whizzing by them, their drivers doing who-knows-what behind the wheel. When I run a red light, I do so because I’m afraid a car stopped next to me won’t see me and will turn into me.
I’m happy to talk more about this if you want.
Keith
Hi Keith,
Thank you for the thoughtful response. I think motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will need to adopt a heightened sense of empathy and caution as we share our crowded city streets.
Let’s be careful and caring out there!
Peace,
Adrienne
Your camera hand was steady enough, though, and this is a terrific shot.
Ha-ha! I guess the trembling had subsided by the time I took the photo. 🙂
It’s true! The observer sees most of the game.
Thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂