An Insider Guide To Bicycling Safely In New York City And Beyond

New York City is a great place to bike. It's a relatively flat city, with plenty of bike lanes and greenways. And, of course, there's the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

But biking in New York City can also be dangerous. The city's streets are often crowded with cars, trucks, and buses. And, unfortunately, many drivers are not used to sharing the road with cyclists.

As a result, it's important to take precautions when biking in New York City. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

Surviving The Death Grid: An Insider’s Guide to Bicycling Safely in New York City and Beyond

by Brian Stamile

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1063 KB
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• Wear a helmet. This is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted and that it meets the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• Obey the traffic laws. Just like drivers, cyclists are required to obey the traffic laws. This means stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling your turns.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the traffic around you and be prepared to react to sudden changes. Make eye contact with drivers when possible and never assume that they see you.
• Ride defensively. This means riding in a way that anticipates potential hazards. For example, ride in the center of the lane to make yourself more visible to drivers. And, be prepared to brake or swerve if necessary.
• Use bike lanes and greenways. These are designated areas for cyclists and they can help you avoid traffic. However, be aware that bike lanes can sometimes be crowded with pedestrians and other cyclists.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing and use lights at night. This will help drivers see you more easily.
• Lock your bike. When you're not riding your bike, be sure to lock it up securely. Use a U-lock or a chain lock and make sure to lock your bike to a fixed object.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle crash. However, it's important to remember that there is no such thing as a completely safe bike ride. So, always be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively.

In addition to the general safety tips listed above, here are a few additional tips for biking in New York City:

• Be aware of the "right hook." This is a dangerous maneuver where a driver turns right in front of a cyclist who is riding in the right lane. To avoid being right-hooked, ride in the center of the lane and make eye contact with drivers when possible.
• Watch out for car doors. This is another common hazard for cyclists in New York City. Be especially careful when riding near parked cars and always be prepared to brake or swerve if necessary.
• Be aware of pedestrians. New York City is a pedestrian-friendly city and there are often many pedestrians walking in the streets. Be sure to yield to pedestrians and be prepared to stop or slow down if necessary.
• Use the Citi Bike system. Citi Bike is a bike sharing system that makes it easy to get around New York City. With over 12,000 bikes and 600 stations, Citi Bike is a great way to avoid the hassle of dealing with traffic and parking.

If you're planning on biking beyond New York City, there are a few additional things you should keep in mind:

• Plan your route in advance. This will help you avoid getting lost or ending up in a dangerous area.
• Be aware of the weather conditions. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for rain, wind, or other adverse conditions.
• Bring a map or GPS device. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting lost.
• Let someone know your plans. Tell a friend or family member where you're going and when you expect to be back.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Bring a basic tool kit and a spare tube in case of a flat tire. And, be sure to have your cell phone with you in case of an emergency.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your bike ride is safe and enjoyable.

Surviving The Death Grid: An Insider’s Guide to Bicycling Safely in New York City and Beyond

by Brian Stamile

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1063 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	74 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE