January - February 2007

Cyclist Lives in the Balance. The untimely deaths Dr. Carl Nacht and Eric Ng riding on Manhattan’s Hudson River Greenway, on the West Side, last year, was needlessly tragic. This greenway is the most widely used bike path in New York City and was supposed to be safe, with flat terrain and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Unfortunately, cars and other motorized vehicles don’t watch for cyclists, once too often. But the driver who struck Mr. Ng on a fateful night, left Chelsea Piers allegedly drunk and stupidly drove on the greenway itself, with deadly consequences.

We can’t let this happen again here or anywhere else. Write your local city council member to mandate further safety for cyclists in our city. Support the effects of organizations such as Transportation Alternatives. On Sunday, January 7, 2007, come to the Times Up! Memorial. They will mourn cyclists who were unnecessarily killed here in 2006. The departed souls were people, like you and me. See www.times-up.org website for details. Interested 5BBC leaders coming on the ride should help at the various starts. And please, ride safe and careful on the bicycle.

New York Police Department Parade Permit For Cyclists? Last November, the NYPD had a public meeting to revise parade permits to include cyclists. If this becomes an official NYPD rule, (not a law since legislative government can pass them), cyclists such as ourselves are required to get permission assembling in public places for 5BBC rides. Although the NYPD keeps the peace, parade permits for cyclists are peculiar and ridiculous. Cyclists aren’t criminals. The NYPD must protect us from dangerous traffic and real crime. Parade permits aren’t the answer. Again, contact your local representative in the City Council to prevent this. Make your voice heard. And let’s represent the cycling community— ride safe and respect the law.

For 2007: I wish all of you a good year of wonderful cycling. We can still enjoy life—simply get on a bike and ride.

Alfredo Garcia, Editor, Bicycletter