Submitted by Lola, Aug 3, 2007 10:02

It is unfortunate that Rep. Maloney finds it necessary to pit bicyclists against pedestrians in advocating for safer streets, by characterizing cyclists as "lawless."

As a responsible daily bicyclist and pedestrian, I see respect and disrespect on both sides. It is annoying and dangerous when a rude bicyclst buzzes you walking in a crosswalk, or when arrogant jaywaylkers stand 8 feet off the curb in the bike zone and stare down cyclists, curse, or try to hit or scare us. (This hazardous lane-blocking happens on every block in the city. Try riding from one part of town to another and you'll see.)

But the real threat to us all is that created by millions of private automobiles, which cause 300 car-related deaths per year in the 5 boros.

By plotting the bike lane through the ped block, it sounds like the DOT just didn't want to consecrate any more street space to bikes. Instead of creating more space for people on bike or foot, as opposed to cars, it's easier to for them to divvy up and already-small pie allotted to nonvehicular traffic. But rather than question those prerogatives, we slug it out amongst ourselves.

Kudos to Sen. Serrano for offering the alternative of creating protected bike space where it is more needed. I hope the DOT will give it strong consideration.

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