If you have been following this blog, you know that I frequently ride the Rockaway Boardwalk along the South Shore of Queens. Who can resist a seaside spin?
While I sometimes like to build up speed, I am careful and try to be respectful of beach goers, dog walkers and other pedestrians. I can, however, understand the impulse to engage in Grand Tour fantasies: I’ve done it myself. After all, the Boardwalk is a long flat stretch with no traffic lights and few, if any, other reasons to stop or detour.
Some folks in the local community board want to change, at least partially, what I described in my previous sentence. Others, however, wanted to go even further.
At a recent Board meeting, a proposal to ban cyclists along thr Boardwalk’s most popular segment—from Beach 73rd to Beach 108th Streets—between Memorial and Labor Day. That area includes concession stands, bathrooms and changing areas and a surfing school, ans is closest to subway stations and the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects the Rockaways to the rest of Queens.
Accidents and altercations between riders and pedestrians have been reported. Some Board members—and media outlets like the New York Post—have used them to portray anyone on two wheels as a menace. I’ll admit that I’ve seen a few reckless cyclists. But I think the greater problem is riders on mopeds and eBikes that don’t have a pedal assist. I think they’re intoxicated by sea breezes rippling their hair (they’re almost never wearing helmets) and the power they feel.
Fortunately, more than a few people can see, not only black and white, but all of the shades in the picture. Some just happen to be local residents who helped to vote down the proposal.
Some are calling, instead, for clearly-painted lanes and speed limits on the Boardwalk. They also believe that requiring cyclists to dismount around the major concession areas at 86th, 96th and 108th Streets. The Long Beach Boardwalk in Nassau County, where I have also ridden, has a similar policy for its main concession area during the peak season.
The Long Beach policy is enforced: Police officers stand by barricades. And a New York City Parks official says that would be needed—and that it would be the best way not to punish local residents who like to ride the Boardwalk for the actions of those who “come in and use it as their racetrack” (i.e., “outsiders”) however hysterical that claim might be.
Thank you for "...eBikes that don't have a pedal assist...". Too
ReplyDeletemany people are on class 4 "ebikes" that are really just electric
motorcycles or scooters.
In the last 18 months I have noticed that the way people use
their ebikes are different by age. Those of us who are over 50
tend to be using pedal assist. People who are under 35 (? or so)
tend to be using their ebikes as non pedaling cycles. (e-motorcycles)
I don't know if this is everywhere or just locally for me.
I have no problem with throttles on ebikes. They can be useful. I have
one on my ebike. So far I have not had to use it but I like the idea
of it being there if I have a problem getting back home. Getting
old sucks!
Anon—After reading your comment, I decided to do an informal survey of eBike riders here in New York. My observations confirmed what you said. It’s kind of ironic that older eBike riders are more likely to pedal their bikes and use the electric motor as an assist. What bothers me is that many operators of the “electric motorcycles”’you describe look too young to have even a learner’s permit to drive. Almost none wear helmets, and some are going even faster than cars or trucks.
ReplyDelete