Letters

Dear T.A.

About the St. Nicholas Avenue bicycle lane: I like it! Much better than St. Nick used to be, NICE!

Dan Convissor
South Orange, NJ

Dear T.A.:

I am deeply concerned by the traffic flow problems at both entrances to the Queensboro Bridge.

On the Manhattan side, the lower approach ramp has an inadequate turning radius for trucks and buses. I have witnessed westbound cyclists almost crushed between an oncoming bus and the concrete divider. This is a disaster waiting to happen!!! On the Queens side westbound approach, there is no access to the southern bike lane without going against traffic.

I hope the city will cooperate with T.A. in working out a constructive solution to these problems.

Robert Olsson
Jackson Heights, NY

Dear Robert:

We agree. T.A. has been struggling with the city for six years over an acceptable plan for the Queensboro Bridge, Starting in November, the South Outer Roadway (the current bike/ped path) will be closed for reconstruction and the North Outer Roadway will be used as the bicycle/pedestrian path.

T.A. has also proposed using the North Outer Roadway as the permanent bicycle/pedestrian path. See Cycling News (page 7) for a full QBB report.

--Eds.

Dear T.A.:
I must comment on John Kaehny's recent publisher's letter. It begins with a lengthy description of an NBA basketball play as the metaphor for the city's missed opportunities. This turns me off. I thought T.A. was about cycling, not basketball! Almost twice as many Americans ride bikes for recreation/sport than play basketball. Furthermore, I think T.A. should challenge our consumption of media--such as nationally televised sports events--which are controlled by automobile advertising.

Zoe Waldron
New York, NY

Dear T.A.:

I've been a member for six months and I greatly appreciate the magazine. Three suggestions:
1. Institute a Bridge Update.
2. Configure the Joy Ride sections so that a cyclist can insert them conveniently in a handlebar map case.
3. Elaborate in your magazine about the volunteers you need.

Paul Lehman
New York, NY

Dear Paul:

We're taking your advice. See this issue's joyride. Next issue we will begin a volunteer profile section and detail our volunteer profile needs. We're still working out a format for a bridge update. Suggestions?

-Eds.

Dear T.A.:

A good friend of mine sent me an article about Bridge Pedal, a ride in Portland, Oregon that crosses all its major bridges. As a bicycling New Yorker, I thought it was interesting for two reasons:

First, I ride in the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, and every year I hear people lamenting the fact that it's the only big tour here in the city.

Second, all of the city except for The Bronx sits on islands--we have at least as many bridges as Portland!

Do you think it might be possible to arrange for a similar tour here in New York sometime during the fall? That way we could have two major events here each year.

Fred Argoff
Brooklyn, NY

Dear Fred:

We already have a major ride in the fall--it's called the NYC Century! This year's Century will include 4, 000 riders, and will cross most major bike-accessible bridges. It's on Sunday, September 8, so plan to be there. We'll look forward to seeing you.

-Eds.