October 6, 2023

NYC Cyclist Skillfully Defends Bike Lane Against Cars and Emerges Victorious

Although New York City has one of the better networks of bike infrastructure in America, it apparently also has some of the most entitled drivers. Not a week goes by when another video on social media surfaces of drivers using separated bike lanes to try to get ahead of yet another traffic jam. And each time these people, seemingly, get away with it, only encouraging others. But this week was different. Recently, videos surfaced showing a brave and, most likely, frustrated bicyclist not only standing in front of but also backing down cars trying to do the same. Yes, we cheered.

Hats off to this cyclist. My hero for the day. pic.twitter.com/DKdwqhEOxo

— Jehiah (@jehiah) September 29, 2023

This incident was documented by NYC cycling advocate Jehiah on Twitter. In the video, a car, complete with a bike rack, believe it or not, and a bicycle on the back, attempts to encroach upon the bike lane, which is separated by paint and a small cement median. However, before the car can proceed, the cyclist skillfully positions her bike in front of it and politely gestures for them to retreat.

The driver complies, reverses, and exits the bike lane, making the cyclist the victorious party in this encounter. And it happens again when a fancy white Land Rover tries to do the same thing.

Backdown down vehicles illegally parked or driving in bike lanes is not always the safest thing to do. But when frustrations run high, and cyclists’ lives are put at risk on the daily by drivers who feel they are above the law, it is an understandable response. It is nothing short of a heroic response.

For those looking to advocate for more safe cycling infrastructure in New York City, here are a few groups and individuals to connect with and follow:

• Transportation Alternatives

• Bike New York

• NYC Bike Mayor @TheBrownBikeGirl

• New York City Bike Coalition

There is a surge in cycling deaths in New York City, and people are angry.

Just this week on Oct. 4, a 56-year-old man was killed while riding his bicycle after a box truck driver struck him at the intersection of Rogers and Clarkson Avenues in Flatbush, Brooklyn, according to advocacy group Transportation Alternatives.

“We are heartbroken and outraged that another bike rider was killed by the driver of a box truck. We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Emanuel Patterson, the 26th New Yorker killed on a bike this year,” said Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives.

“Mayor Adams is failing New Yorkers. More bike riders have been killed in traffic violence at this point in 2023 than any other year under Vision Zero and, yet, this mayor has advanced no concrete actions or plans to stop this preventable violence.”