The rules of the road

When I decided to write this post, the only thing I could think of was a clip from Rocko's Modern Life (circa the last time I rode a bike) from some time he had to go to driving school--it had a ridiculous animated video that went through the Rules of the Road in dramatic fashion.  Given that the one thing I have definitely determined about biking is that NYC roads are terrifying, I thought I'd take a look at what the actual regulations are and pass them along to all you future-bikers.  Also, useful to know that you can be righteously angry at the delivery bike riding on the sidewalk against traffic.  

The main resource I used to put this together was the NYC Bike Smart guide, which goes through essential biking regulations and tips (such as how not to get your bike stolen because you are locking it with a part of the bike easily removed, like the seat). It's worth taking a look at for the helpful diagrams, which actually show how you are supposed to make that awkward left hand turn through rush hour traffic without getting killed. 

The easiest way to think about bike rules is that they are the same as for a vehicle.  Cyclists have to stay on the road unless they are under 13, follow the direction of traffic, and have to follow stop signs and lights.  Bikes also have to yield to pedestrians, which clears up the, "well, it is harder for them to stop...maybe I should get out of the way?" while walking or running to the park.  Some of the regulations are common sense, like having a white front light and red tail light when riding at night or before dawn.  But, a couple other things that are illegal aren't as obvious.  It is technically illegal to ride with more than one headphone in at a time, and bikes are required to have a bell as well.  I'm not sure how many of the cyclists I see in the park have bells.  

NYC DOT also provides a map of the entirety of NYC that lists where bike paths (there are parked cars between the bike path and traffic), bike lanes (the green painted lanes on roads), and bike routes (basically, bikes sharing with cars) are located throughout the city.  Very helpful to check when planning your first bike rides--the bike paths are definitely where I would have preferred my test rides had taken place, instead of full construction in SoHo.  

Finally, you will inevitably have to take your bike on the subway.  Unfortunately, there isn't too much help on this end.  MTA suggests that you wait for essentially an empty, non-rush hour train and only use entrances that are staffed so you can enter with the service gate.  I will support that second option, having brought my bike through a turnstile (a big no-no) at Union Square with the help of a very friendly Chinese woman who gave me advice on how to make it fit...in zhong wen.  If you're venturing on the subway with your bike, make sure you've thought out the entrances and exits, in any case.  They are the trickiest parts. 

So, hopefully you can learn from some of my more amateur mistakes/questions, and have a smooth experience biking in the city.  I for one will continue to find roads terrifying and stick primarily to bike paths and the park.