Chronicling the New York City Bicycling Renaissance

Commuter bicycling in New York City has tripled in the last 10 years. Why? Environmental concern, health benefits, the sheer pleasure of cycling, or maybe that most "New York" of preoccupations . . . getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible amidst crushing congestion on roadways, subways, buses, and even sidewalks.

Even with this recent upsurge in bicycle commuting, the potential for even greater increases remains huge. Less than 2% of all city trips are made by bicycle. The bicycling laws are relatively favorable. NYC's terrain is mostly flat, with many major residential and business districts within 2-5 miles of each other. What's holding people back?

Misconceptions, mainly. People think it's too hot or too cold most of the year to bicycle in New York City comfortably. Or that bicyclists necessarily compromise their appearance by wearing loud athletic gear and getting dirty and sweaty. Or that urban cycling is terribly dangerous and likely to maim or kill you.

The way to address these misconceptions is to present the New York City bicycle commuters for everyone to see. Usually we are moving past too quickly for the rest of you to get a good look. Unlike cars, we don't make noise so, we may be right next to you or past you before you even notice.

As the photos show, we don't mind the heat, cold, rain or snow much more than the pedestrians who walk in it. We wear "normal" clothes (for NYC, that is) and show up at work looking sharp and ready for business (at least after a few minutes in an alley or the bathroom!). Our limbs generally are intact despite years of daily commuting. And we arrive at our destinations, usually exhilarated and refreshed, in less time than the subway, bus, a cab, or other commuters take. Take a look!

It hardly needs mentioning that I am not a photographer and have no photographic training. Through sheer luck, I occasionally take a nice shot, and I appreciate the positive feedback I get from the Flickr community when I do. But the purpose of almost all my photos is to inspire New Yorkers to make everyday trips by bicycle, so please excuse the lack of focus and the monotony of subject matter and composition.

I hope to see you out there! Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and at the law firm where I practice, Vaccaro Law.