Inaugural Ride Across The New Brooklyn Bridge Bike Lane

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Video by Jake Offenhartz / Gothamist
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[@marigracericana4021]

For those who don't know, the bike lane, formerly a Manhattan-bound innermost lane, is exactly where trolleys operate from Brooklyn and Manhattan (same back and forth, which is the Brooklyn-bound innermost lane) when the bridge was built. The city later converted the bridge into a six-lane bridge in the 1950s when trolleys went out of business. Anyway, the Manhattan Bridge was the first one to convert their trolley decks (which is the upper deck) into four lanes of traffic. It was supposed to be expanded as part of the I-478 expansion (also known as the Lower Manhattan Expressway) but due to controversy, construction cancelled. This is why the bridge has a incomplete road-like median (aka a stub) on the Manhattan approach.

[@timsmotorcyclediary]

Being a bicycle lane, stopping to take photos shouldn't be allowed. If you want to take photos, use the pedestrian lane.

[@dtape]

That's great that you got video going across in both directions! To the people complaining that it's narrow, it's not that bad, especially compared to the Queensboro Bridge. The bike lane + pedestrian path on that bridge is criminally narrow and dangerous. The bike lane in this video also probably looks narrower because of the wide angle of the camera.

[@avisitorhere]

Its tight for 2 way traffic. People are going to be passing into the oncoming lane. There are gonna be accidents especially on that curve. The problem with the boardwalk wasn't the bikes, it was the groups of people walking 5&6 abreast and tourists walking to the railings to pose for pictures. It'd be fairer to stick them between the concrete barriers. I mean why would you walk to Manhattan or Brooklyn? I think the boardwalk is just for the tourists

[@williamvan909]

this is outstanding need to get more bike paths for bikes and e-bikes this is the way to go no cars faster to get around the city keep pushing for more bike trails guys tow thumps up

[@erringman]

This is the right width for one way. Not future proof at all.

[@e46t]

Grateful for this, yet can't get over how ugly it is. Goodbye boardwalk 😩

[@anthonypicco7811]

I believe the walkway is still above

[@wendysremix]

Looks atrocious

[@yohannsphotographyvideogra9542]

can you sue the city of nyc for two way traffic lanes without separation if you have an incoming accident from dual lanes ?

[@MarkowskyArt]

Looks a bit narrow in the video! I'd be anxious that an oncoming bike would clip my bike left handle.

[@kishascape]

Yes lots New York lanes like this, shame they kept this joke concept even in the new ones.

[@dtone63]

A little narrow yes, but not as bad as it appears on video. Pov video distorts perception a little.

[@Maxime_K-G]

3:56 They missed an opportunity to remove the white paint, shift the car lane to the right a little and make the bike path double the width in the turn.

[@kishascape]

Why is it 4:3 aspect ratio?

[@minisurfbanana]

This new bike trail Kills the views from the bridge😭😭😭

[@buildintotrains]

I'm fine with it. Most people on bikes just need to efficiently cross the river for their commute. If I want views I'll walk

[@StevenBornfeld]

I notice almost all the traffic in these videos was Brooklyn-bound. I do have a concern. The video may be a bit deceptive, but at about 3:55 there is a bit of a blind curve. I would be concerned that there is potential for mayhem if there is passing traffic coming the other way.

[@atr629]

Similar to the one on the Manhattan bridge

[@minisurfbanana]

Are u allowed to walk your bike above?

[@sitdowndogbreath]

Good question I like to know too

[@Chucifer]

Anyone know how eskating with street wheels feels over this?

[@sitdowndogbreath]

You have to ask somebody that rides a skateboard tell your best or a Kick Scooter they'll let you know what you're in for

[@8wealthyone8]

Looks nice...

[@christopherbergh7409]

now keep pedestrians off it

[@joshwhitfield533]

It looks so narrow! Should have taken out another car lane.

[@kelcritcarroll]

👍🏻😁😁

[@wstreet777]

Looks very unpleasant ride and rather dangerous for two way traffic. Thanks for the video though.

[@grazz7865]

It’s just another stab at drivers to make driving in the shity as miserable as possible. They could have fenced off the bike lane on the boardwalk.

[@jabba031]

Driving should be very hard for people in NYC. Cars ruin cities.

[@grazz7865]

@@jabba031 it’s not the cars. It’s the morons driving them. All this vision zero, self driving cars is because driving has gotten really sloppy. Think about it. All you need to do is pass your “road test” once in your life then never worry about it again. I believe there should be a road test every time you renew your license. We need to educate people about driving just like the commercial drivers who are tested every year. The way it is now, everyone is just fighting with each other for every last inch of space which actually causes more accidents.

[@NewYork4Life12]

@@jabba031 transplants like you ruin cities, not cars

[@grazz7865]

@@NewYork4Life12 that’s the attitude that has everyone fighting with each other. So you can honestly tell me that pedestrians cross ONLY when the walk sign is on? Pedestrians NEVER cross in between cars (jaywalking)? Bicycles ALWAYS obey traffic laws, stop for lights, stay to the right, ride with traffic, not against traffic? It’s the lawlessness that ruins shities. And if this vision nothing is ever going to work, EVERYONE must obey the rules.

[@NewYork4Life12]

@@grazz7865 and you calling drivers morons isn’t helping your cause either. I’m a delivery driver here, I spend 12-14 hours a day on these roads. Most bikers DO NOT FOLLOW THE RULES. From EBike riders to CitiBike users. They don’t, and for you to demonize drivers is as shallow as you trying to look like the good guy. We’re trying to make a living. Cars will never leave the city, get used to them

[@gremate]

so when are the bike riders going to get taxed for using road infrastructure since now they're using major transportation roads?

[@42luke93]

They’re treating bicycles as if they’re vehicles. I can’t stand it. This will suck in traffic in cars. Also liked the boardwalk view better.

[@42luke93]

@@bryans.1710 I wish they can give tickets to bikes for violations. I never see it happen and that’s why there are so many wreckless riders. Fine stop at the red light, make sure it’s safe and then proceed. Don’t just run through it!

[@coolidgedollar2154]

As soon as bikes cause measurable wear to the roads -- they weigh about the same as cars and trucks, right? Should take only a few more centuries. And don't forget all the pollution those cyclists create.