Prof. Samantha Clarke
As we reflect on the progress made in New York City’s cycling infrastructure over the past three decades, it is crucial to acknowledge the unexpected challenges that have emerged. The publication of The Bicycle Blueprint, a visionary plan for the city’s cycling future, marked a turning point. However, despite the achievements, there is a growing dispiritedness among long-time cyclists like myself.
During the pandemic, there was a surge in bike purchases, raising hopes for a thriving cycling culture. Yet, as I navigate the city streets today, I often find myself alone on my bike. Although the presence of blue Citi Bikes in the bike lanes seems promising, it is disheartening to witness their casual usage, with little consideration for others. The sense of camaraderie among cyclists is dwindling, and it is increasingly rare to encounter fellow road bike enthusiasts.
What has caused this unexpected shift? In 2020, New York City legalized e-scooters and e-bikes, leading to a rapid influx of these vehicles dominating the bike lanes. However, this new wave of electric transportation has brought a host of challenges. E-bikes, mopeds, motor scooters, and even motorcycles jostle for space, sometimes going against traffic and disregarding rules. The resulting chaos disrupts the reflexes of all road users, making cycling a more daunting endeavor.
Transportation Alternatives, once known as City Cyclist, has embraced e-micromobility as a solution to reduce gas-powered cars. However, I find it hard to believe that significant numbers of drivers are abandoning their climate-controlled cars for open-to-the-elements e-vehicles. Their arguments, based on European studies and the discrimination concerns of e-bike delivery workers, overlook the root cause of the problem—the insatiable demand for instant delivery.
In this changing landscape, many cyclists are transitioning to e-vehicles, leading to a decline in traditional bicycling. As someone who has embraced city cycling for four decades, I confess that I am starting to question my sanity. The allure of e-bikes is undeniable, particularly in certain situations, but the anarchy in the bike lanes is dissuading potential cyclists and eroding the sense of community that once thrived.
As I revisit The Bicycle Blueprint, I take pride in the foresight it demonstrated. However, it also reminds me of the one monumental change we couldn’t anticipate—the exponential integration of humans and technology. Pedestrians, drivers, and even cyclists glued to their phones, along with the rise of app-based services, have disrupted the once-ordered bike lanes. The legalization of e-bikes further complicates the landscape.
While I acknowledge the advantages of e-bikes in specific circumstances, we must confront the unintended consequences they have brought to the cycling ecosystem. As we navigate this new reality, it is crucial to find a balance that preserves the ethos of cycling while embracing technological advancements. Only then can we ensure a vibrant and inclusive cycling culture in the ever-evolving cityscape of New York.
The cycling industry in New York City has seen significant progress in infrastructure over the past three decades, thanks to initiatives like The Bicycle Blueprint. However, despite these achievements, there is a growing concern among long-time cyclists regarding the state of cycling in the city.
One of the unexpected challenges that have emerged is the surge in e-scooters and e-bikes following their legalization in 2020. While this influx initially raised hopes for a thriving cycling culture, it has also led to a host of issues. The bike lanes are now dominated by various electric vehicles, including e-bikes, mopeds, motor scooters, and even motorcycles. This has resulted in chaos and a lack of order, as these vehicles sometimes go against traffic and disregard rules.
Transportation Alternatives, an organization that advocates for sustainable transportation, has embraced e-micromobility as a solution to reduce gas-powered cars. However, it is debatable whether significant numbers of drivers are giving up their cars for e-vehicles. The argument for e-bikes often overlooks the root cause of the problem—the demand for instant delivery services, which has fueled the proliferation of these vehicles.
This changing landscape has led many traditional cyclists to transition to e-vehicles, causing a decline in traditional bicycling and eroding the sense of community that once thrived among cyclists. The allure of e-bikes is undeniable, especially in certain situations, but the anarchy in the bike lanes is dissuading potential cyclists from joining the cycling community.
The integration of humans and technology has also disrupted the order in bike lanes. Pedestrians, drivers, and even cyclists glued to their phones, along with the rise of app-based services, have further complicated the once-ordered bike lanes. The legalization of e-bikes has added another layer of complexity to the cycling ecosystem.
While acknowledging the advantages of e-bikes in specific circumstances, it is crucial to confront the unintended consequences they have brought to the cycling culture. Finding a balance that preserves the ethos of cycling while embracing technological advancements is essential. This balance will ensure a vibrant and inclusive cycling culture in the ever-evolving cityscape of New York.
For more information on the cycling industry and related issues, you can visit [New York City Cycling](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bicyclists.shtml).
