Last night, twenty cyclists and pedestrians clad in bright orange-vests walked and pedaled up First Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side to combat bad bikers and outlaw motorists. The group, organized by Transportation Alternatives (T.A.), travelled from 72nd Street to 92nd Street distributing some 300 mock summonses and leaflets to drivers and cyclists who violated New York City Traffic Law. Representatives of Council Members Gifford Miller and Andrew Eristoff and 19th Precinct Police Officer Louis Verdolino also participated in the event, helping kick off T.A.'s Give Respect / Get Respect campaign.

The campaign aims to curb the bad cycling behaviors that infuriate pedestrians and to draw attention to rampant double-parking and speeding. Give Respect / Get Respect leaflets in English, Chinese and Spanish encourage cyclists to keep off the sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and ride with-not against-traffic. In return, cyclists are calling for safer streets for all.

"Bicyclists have to respect pedestrians and other road users in this town, but we need respect in return. Our lives depend on it." said Gian-Claudia Sciara, of T.A.'s bicycle program.

"City streets are a spectacle of chaos and danger. Speeding and reckless driving are rampant," said Ms. Sciara. "Cars cause infinitely greater damage to human life and the environment in New York than bicycles ever could." Almost 13,000 pedestrians are struck and injured by automobiles every year in NYC. Another 225 are killed, according to NYC DOT records.

Transportation Alternatives, the 4,000 member organization dedicated to improved cycling and walking conditions, says it has the answers to the city's menacing traffic. The group urges:
· serious NYPD enforcement to keep bike lanes clear of parked cars;
· designated cab stands to end taxi-hailing and passenger-discharging mayhem;
· widespread posting and regular police enforcement of NYC speed limits; and
· an aggressive "Share the Road" campaign run by NYC DOT.

Reactions to the group's efforts last night were positive. At least 15 motorists double-parked in the bicycle lane cooperatively drove away once made aware of the bike lane. One errant diplomat said, "Oh, I'm so sorry." Several taxi passengers were befuddled then apologetic when asked not to hail or exit from a cab in the bicycle lane. And over one dozen cyclists, many of them fast-food deliverers, immediately U-turned to head the north on First Ave. once informed they were cycling in the wrong direction.

Transportation Alternatives plans future walking and cycling scouting events on the Upper East Side and in other city neighborhoods. Interested parties should call 212-629-8080.