Script on Cycling in New York

Bike-Sharing in New York City

Anchor intro: It's only been five months since the launch of New York City's bike-sharing program, Citi Bike, and it seems that everywhere you look New Yorkers are on the streets cycling. In fact, more than 200,000 New Yorkers are biking every day, sharing the roadways with motorists and pedestrians.

Host: However, the adjustment to having new vehicles not the road has not been problem-free, says Dan Flanzig, a lawyer (and cyclist himself) who has represented many of the city's cyclists.

Daniel Flanzig: Vehicle traffic law in the state of New York section 1214…prohibits the opening of a car door into traffic…everybody needs to understand that cyclists and cars are sharing the road. I probably have 10-15 open 'dooring' cases right now.

Host: And 'dooring' is not the only problem

Daniel Flanzig: Improper lane changes. Cabs stopping to pick up passengers will enter a bike lane and suddenly slam on the brakes. We've all seen New York cabs fight over a fare, they will cut into the bike lane and stop short and boom!

Host: Miller Nuttle, head of Transportation Alternatives, agrees on the need for both bicyclists and drivers to be more mindful and has advocated for changes to the city's infrastructure to make it safer for cyclists.

Mike Nuttle: Eventually the Department of Transportation agreed to incorporate the protected bike lanes for pedestrians' safety, all that we now see along First and Second avenues with the select bus service. Today, it's actually the longest protected bike lane in America.

Host: Nuttle says that cyclists should know their rights.

Mike Nuttle: Be alert and aware and make noise. Have a bell, have lights on your bike. You know New York is a busy place, so the more you're talking and alert to your surroundings the safer you'll be.u

Host: However, not all New Yorkers are happy with the new program, like this seasoned bike messenger. Messenger: They don't know what they are doing. They're reckless.

Host: And because of the risk, some people are not persuaded that biking is a viable alternative means of transportation.

Scared lady: I'm afraid I'm going to be hit by a bus. I don't have a helmet available; I won't rent them until I get on that at the very least.u

Host: However, Nuttle says she shouldn't be afraid.

Mike Nuttle: Now biking is safer than ever. Bicycling has quintupled over the last decade or so with the number of people riding bikes. But the number of crashes has actually gone down over the same time.