Casey Neistat was ticketed for not riding in the bike lane in New York City and had to pay a $50 fine. It brings up an important issue about how cities need to keep bike lanes safe if they're to require cyclists to ride only within the narrow white lines. I think this cyclist makes a strong, and admittedly funny point when he illustrates why cyclists sometimes don't, or rather can't, ride in the bike lane. Somehow, running into the obstacles rather than just pointing them out makes the problem a lot more apparent. And the last scene of the video...well that just brings it all full circle.
There is some ambiguity about what exactly is legal when riding a bike. In a summary of New York City's bicycle laws, rules and regulations, the New York City Department of Transportation says that "Bicycle riders must use bike path/lane, if provided, except for access, safety, turns, etc." But it also says that there is "No parking, standing or stopping vehicles within or otherwise obstructing bike lanes."
Regardless whether or not the police officer was justified in giving Neistat his ticket, he certainly accomplished his goal of making a hilarious video about the perils of New York City's bike lanes.
Ken,
ReplyDeleteGreat video. I hope they properly process the feedback. They being the Police department and City officials. Thanks.
Elvis
Wow! How did he not hurt himself in those crashes?
ReplyDelete@JP, I think that was why he chose to use the cruiser instead of a road bike. He was able to still hit with force, but was able to control his fall. Plus, it is always a little easier falling when you know you are going down, than being hit by force unexpectedly. Either way it looked pretty real.
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