Keep The Runners Off The Brooklyn Bridge!

oiseau · February 2007

Oh man, how many tourists have I hit while riding my bike on the Brooklyn Bridge? A few. How many runners/joggers? A few. But the tourists are expected. They come to NYC to see the Bridge and walk across it. Us bikers, well most of us are actually going somewhere, we're not just out there riding around for our exercise. Now runers and joggers, well, they are on the bridge for only one purpose. To exercise. They run into the bike lane like it's their divine right as if jogging in place and waiting a second for a bike rider to pass is an inconvenience. Maybe it's because the majority of these runners come from Brooklyn Heights and they feel the world is their oyster. Who knows? I welcome a ban on all runners on the Brooklyn Bridge, heck they have a whole side of the Manhattan bridge that is solely for pedestrians, they should there, it's hardly ever used!

Furthermore, the signs and the markings that alert people of the bike/ped lanes on the Brooklyn Bridge are horrendous.

It's a serious accident waiting to happen. Of course, the police bust the bicyclists, as we are a menace to society.

steve · February 2007

Sounds like it's the bicyclists are the real danger there. Perhaps we should move them off of the pedestrian walkway and let them sort it out with the other vehicles.

I kid.

Last I checked the bicyclists had one side of the bridge too. Funny thing, some of them ride on the pedestrian side because they are too lazy to go all the way around to that entrance.

oiseau · February 2007

steve wrote: Last I checked the bicyclists had one side of the bridge too. Funny thing, some of them ride on the pedestrian side because they are too lazy to go all the way around to that entrance.

That is true at the entrance on teh Manhattan side which is one of the most dangerous bike path entrances in all of NYC. At least the bicyclists are going somewhere, not just running for their vanity.

jayce · February 2007

As a triathlete (both a runner and a biker), I'd say it more comes down to stupid people. there are stupid people on bikes and stupid people on foot. and those stupid people on foot and on bikes are always getting in the wrong lanes. my recommendation... scream like a banshee at anyone that gets in the wrong lane. but as a law abiding runner in the right lane, you ban me, i put a stick in your spoke. just sayin.

wassup steve... how you been?

oiseau · February 2007

jayce wrote: but as a law abiding runner in the right lane, you ban me, i put a stick in your spoke. just sayin.

Really? So you're running up the pedestrian side and there is a butt load of tourists coming up at you. I'm sure you jog in place waiting for them to part so you can get by. NOT. Most likely you veer into the bike lane because you feel it is your divine right. Do you look behind you for approaching bicyclists? Well I guess you feel they should just stop for you. After all, the world is your oyster.

And where exactly are you running to? Oh, the other end of the bridge and back. Do the world a favor and keep your narcissism to a gym or a park.

escap · February 2007

Oiseau wrote: [quote=jayce] but as a law abiding runner in the right lane, you ban me, i put a stick in your spoke. just sayin.

Really? So you're running up the pedestrian side and there is a butt load of tourists coming up at you. I'm sure you jog in place waiting for them to part so you can get by. NOT. Most likely you veer into the bike lane because you feel it is your divine right. Do you look behind you for approaching bicyclists? Well I guess you feel they should just stop for you. After all, the world is your oyster.

And where exactly are you running to? Oh, the other end of the bridge and back. Do the world a favor and keep your narcissism to a gym or a park.

get a grip dude :roll: :roll:

jayce · February 2007

Oiseau wrote: [quote=jayce] but as a law abiding runner in the right lane, you ban me, i put a stick in your spoke. just sayin.

Really? So you're running up the pedestrian side and there is a butt load of tourists coming up at you. I'm sure you jog in place waiting for them to part so you can get by. NOT. Most likely you veer into the bike lane because you feel it is your divine right. Do you look behind you for approaching bicyclists? Well I guess you feel they should just stop for you. After all, the world is your oyster.

And where exactly are you running to? Oh, the other end of the bridge and back. Do the world a favor and keep your narcissism to a gym or a park.

Actually, yeah, that is what I am saying.
Its called respect for other people out there. I ask people to let me through and I stay in my lane.

maybe you should pedal harder and work out some of that anger, darlin. if you lash out at the people who agree with you you aren't gonna have too many supporters in the world.

kaiserkai · February 2007

Yes and lets ban the friggen idiots that walk around just for fun, while at it ban non commercial cars, what the hell are they doing on the streets, ban anyone who is doing anything without a particular purpose. To hell with em all.

Its life dude, we all pay taxes and if I feel like jogging on the Brooklyn bridge I bloody well will.
How can you prove that your purpose crossing the bridge on a bike is more valuable than someone elses purpose to jog along the bridge.

Mind you, I think it's useless to run along the bridge for the exact reason you mention, but its a free country and everyone can do what he or she pleases.

steve · February 2007

jayce wrote: As a triathlete (both a runner and a biker), I'd say it more comes down to stupid people. there are stupid people on bikes and stupid people on foot. and those stupid people on foot and on bikes are always getting in the wrong lanes. my recommendation... scream like a banshee at anyone that gets in the wrong lane. but as a law abiding runner in the right lane, you ban me, i put a stick in your spoke. just sayin.

wassup steve... how you been?

jayce...you have me at a disadvantage? How do we know each other?

steve · February 2007

Sometimes I run over the bridge and over to Union Square where I have a bite to eat before taking the subway home...I hope that's ok.

idlewild · February 2007

I would build a bike path underneath the pedestrian path. Where the old trolley line used to run in the middle of the bridge. Collect the funding through taxing car sales or add a few pennies to a gallon of gas. It doesn't make sense to put moving vehicles and pedestrians on such a narrow roadway.

jayce · February 2007

steve wrote:
jayce...you have me at a disadvantage? How do we know each other?

think mutual friend who is skinny and blonde. we've met a few times at hash stuff.

steve · February 2007

You mean KW?

jayce · February 2007

uh huh. he be the guy.

sweet tea · February 2007

Subject: Re: Keep The Runners Off The Brooklyn Bridge!

Oiseau wrote: Oh man, how many tourists have I hit while riding my bike on the Brooklyn Bridge? A few. How many runners/joggers? A few. But the tourists are expected. They come to NYC to see the Bridge and walk across it. Us bikers, well most of us are actually going somewhere, we're not just out there riding around for our exercise.

dude.

1. if you're hitting people, maybe you should slow down. cars don't get to go as fast as they want, either.

2. re: riding for transit not exercise. i heard a rumor there's a pretty decent public transit system in this city. if you're really not riding for exercise or enjoyment or whatever it is runners shouldn't be getting, maybe you should consider the subway.

2b. i know a couple of people who run to work. should they look into a special permit, or what?

3. props for the first example i've heard of giving tourists priority over residents.

rose · March 2007

Oiseau wrote:
And where exactly are you running to? Oh, the other end of the bridge and back. Do the world a favor and keep your narcissism to a gym or a park.

Right, and tell us again why your day-glo spandex outfits are actually functional.

jayce · March 2007

when you are moving with any speed at all on a bike, the wind gets in what little bit of space between you and your skin and balloons up like there is no tomorrow. Likewise loose fitting clothing chafes. Alot. So your best bet as a cyclist who is riding for speed and distance is padded bike shorts that sit tight so they don't balloon (the padding, I think is self-explanatory), and the shirt as a very tight wicking jersey. The patterns are all the fun, IMHO... you get to show your personality. Its why my fave cycling jersey is Sponge Bob Square Pants.

filmlover44 · March 2007

Subject: Re: Keep The Runners Off The Brooklyn Bridge!

Oiseau wrote: Oh man, how many tourists have I hit while riding my bike on the Brooklyn Bridge?

Um. Why are you hitting people?

oiseau · March 2007

Subject: Re: Keep The Runners Off The Brooklyn Bridge!

filmlover44 wrote: Um. Why are you hitting people?

Tourist are like deer in the headlights. They don't know which way to move. The ones I have hit have just walked in front of my bike in the bike lane. Shit happens.

babinsky195 · March 2007

jayce wrote: when you are moving with any speed at all on a bike, the wind gets in what little bit of space between you and your skin and balloons up like there is no tomorrow. Likewise loose fitting clothing chafes. Alot. So your best bet as a cyclist who is riding for speed and distance is padded bike shorts that sit tight so they don't balloon (the padding, I think is self-explanatory), and the shirt as a very tight wicking jersey. The patterns are all the fun, IMHO... you get to show your personality. Its why my fave cycling jersey is Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Yes, but unlike you, Jayce, Oiseau is riding not for fitness but rather to get somewhere, which is SO much more noble (according to him). God forbid anyone wants to actually be healthy by running or walking.

You're so right, it's about stupid *people*, not cyclists or runners or tourists. And sounds like Oiseau's a little unstable if he's out there hitting people. Never the right thing to do. Bet in all his righteousness that he doesn't even know he's supposed to abide by the same rules of the road that cars do. Ever stop at a red light, Oiseau? Doubt it...

Keep The Runners Off The Brooklyn Bridge!

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