All Of It: Spring Biking Around NYC – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: May 2, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Production: WNYC

1. Introduction to National Bike Month

Alison Stewart kicks off the episode by highlighting the significance of May as National Bike Month in New York City. She emphasizes the city's vibrant biking culture and introduces various segments planned for the show. The episode focuses primarily on biking, celebrating the season with discussions on popular routes, safety tips, and community events.

Key Points:

• Five Borough Bike Tour: Launching on Sunday, featuring a blessing of bikes at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine to inaugurate the biking season.
• Protected Bike Lanes Expansion: NYC's Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes, with an additional 20 miles upgraded over the past three years, covering areas like Central Park, East River, Brooklyn Waterfront, Prospect Park, and Jersey Waterfront.

2. The Bike Boom in NYC

The conversation delves into the recent surge in biking popularity across the city. Alison cites the DOT commissioner's remark predicting a "bike boom," attributing this trend to improved infrastructure and increased accessibility.

Notable Quote:

• "New York is expected to experience a bike boom." – NYC DOT Commissioner ([00:28])

Key Points:

• Demographic Growth: Increased ridership among women and people of color, with approximately 60% of NYC bikers identifying as people of color.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Expansion of protected and separated bike lanes has made biking a more viable and attractive option for a diverse population.

3. Transportation Alternatives’ Role and Bike Month Celebrations

Representatives from Transportation Alternatives, a nonprofit advocating for bike-friendly travel, join the discussion to outline their contributions and Bike Month activities.

Key Participants:

• Emily Jacoby: Manhattan Organizer
• May Franke: Queens Organizer
• Anna Berlanga: Uptown/Bronx Organizer

Key Points:

• Bike Anywhere Day (May 15): Featuring a community duathlon in the South Bronx, in partnership with PS18 and Equity Design, allowing children to walk and bike on closed streets around 149th Street.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging city-wide participation through diverse events that cater to all demographics and promote bike commuting.

4. Listener Calls: Favorite Routes and Personal Tips

The episode features multiple listener calls sharing their favorite biking routes across New York City's boroughs, offering practical tips and personal anecdotes.

Notable Contributions:

• Cooper from Brooklyn ([05:27]):

  • Route Highlight: Sunset Park to Owl’s Head Park, extending along New York Harbor to Coney Island, with options to continue to the Rockaways or down Bedford Avenue.

• Matt from Bergen County ([06:40]):

  • Route Highlight: Century Ride along the Hudson River to Bear Mountain Park, traversing Harriman Park into New Jersey via the George Washington Bridge or the new Cuomo Bridge.

• Rita from Jackson Heights ([07:57]):

  • Route Highlight: Jackson Heights to Sunnyside Bike Boulevard, connecting to Long Island City and Flushing Meadow Park, facilitating easy access to Mets games.

• Charlie from Lower East Side ([13:49]):

  • Route Highlight: Columbus Circle to George Washington Bridge and Piermont, including scenic rides along the Jersey side of the river.

• Karen from Brooklyn ([14:14]):

  • Route Highlight: Greenpoint to Socrates Sculpture Park via Pulaski Bridge, with alternative routes looping around Queensborough Bridge and Central Park.

• Daniel from Midtown ([15:46]):

  • Route Highlight: Social rides with Social Cycling NYC, emphasizing community and exploring various city parts beyond greenways.

Key Insights:

• Diverse Experiences: Bikers utilize a mix of scenic waterfronts, protected lanes, and community-driven routes.
• Accessibility: Routes cater to different skill levels and preferences, from leisurely rides to utilitarian commutes.

5. Biking 101: Tips for New Cyclists

Anna Berlanga provides essential advice for those new to biking in NYC, covering everything from selecting the right bike to understanding road etiquette.

Notable Quotes:

• "If they don't have a bike, get one from Blue City Bike and go on the Hudson River Greenway." – Anna Berlanga ([09:01])
• "The basic rules of the road for bikers are to have an ethics of care and follow the rules of the road." – Anna Berlanga ([09:25])

Key Points:

• Choosing a Bike:

  • Ensure the bike fits your height, particularly the seat height, to prevent discomfort during long rides.
  • Women and non-binary individuals should consult bike fitters to accommodate different body proportions.

• Essential Gear:

  • Visibility: Equip your bike with lights and wear reflective gear.
  • Safety: Always wear a helmet, especially for beginners.
  • Practicality: Utilize fanny packs for belongings and secure water bottles.

• Road Etiquette:

  • Use hand signals for turns and stopping.
  • Slow down in crowded areas to ensure safety for all road users.
  • Carry a bell to alert pedestrians and other cyclists, as required by NYC law.

6. Addressing Challenges: NYPD Traffic Stings

Madeline from Bushwick raises concerns about NYPD's cycling traffic stings targeting cyclists who run red lights, which can be particularly discouraging for new riders.

Notable Quote:

• "These are stings set up all over the city to catch cyclists running red lights. It can be pretty devastating to folks who are new at cycling." – Madeline ([26:39])

Key Points:

• Legal Rights:

  • Cyclists have the right to proceed during pedestrian signal phases.
  • Anna Berlanga advises cyclists to contest unfair tickets based on these rights.

• Safety Recommendations:

  • Adhere strictly to traffic signals to avoid unnecessary fines.
  • Stay informed about cycling laws to protect yourself from undue penalties.

7. Learning to Ride and Community Support

The discussion shifts to resources and communities that support new cyclists in learning and integrating into NYC's biking culture.

Key Recommendations:

• Governor’s Island ([29:00]):

  • Accessible via a $5 ferry for adults, free for kids, students, and seniors.
  • Offers three miles of car-free biking paths ideal for beginners.

• 34th Avenue Open Street ([29:44]):

  • Provides learning classes in both English and Spanish.
  • Features bike fitters and licensed marshals to assist beginners.

• Social Cycling Groups:

  • Social Cycling NYC: Facilitates community rides every Thursday night, fostering social connections and exploring various city areas.
  • Inclusive Rides: Organizations like Cute Queer Joyride and NB Bike Club offer rides tailored for women, non-binary, and queer cyclists, promoting an inclusive environment.

Notable Quote:

• "Cycling brings people together. It brings community." – Anna Berlanga ([04:57])

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by thanking Transportation Alternatives and the callers for their contributions. She reiterates the importance of community in biking and encourages listeners to explore the discussed routes while practicing safe biking habits.

Closing Remarks:

• Transcript Availability: Full transcripts will be available on the WNYC website.
• Community Engagement: Encourages listeners to join bike rides and participate in Bike Month events to enhance their biking experience in NYC.

Summary: This episode of "All Of It" serves as a comprehensive guide to biking in New York City during National Bike Month. From celebrating the bike boom and exploring diverse routes across all five boroughs to offering practical tips for new cyclists and addressing policing challenges, the show fosters a sense of community and promotes safe, inclusive biking practices. Transportation Alternatives plays a pivotal role in organizing events and advocating for better biking infrastructure, ensuring that biking remains an accessible and enjoyable mode of transportation for all New Yorkers.