Hello Readers,
One week ago I was struck by a small cross-over SUV while riding through a green light in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Thank God I was barely hurt, but if but for a few minor changes, I could have been maimed or killed. I would like to use this post to remind readers, whether you are cyclists, walkers, car drivers, or a combination of above, to please err on the side of caution versus speed. There are may places in the city, particularly in Brooklyn, where a left turn arrow would make everything much safer and easier. Instead, people need to make aggressive or speedy left turns across intersections without (perhaps) seeing oncoming pedestrian or bicycle traffic.
I endorse expanding the number of left-turn arrows on streets such as Bedford Ave. and its many cross streets. But at the same time we improve the signaling for the drivers, we also need to consider the timing of certain signals to make crossings safer.
Part of the reason I was nearly killed last week was because I was trying to cross a VERY long intersection with little time to do so. I’m estimating 45 seconds in one cycle, perhaps less. This means, as a cyclist, I know that each time I cross Flatbush Avenue, I need to get out of my saddle and pedal fast to get across before the lights change.
The woman who hit me with her vehicle was very apologetic, but I urged her to please in the future take an additional half second before making a left turn to watch for oncoming walkers and bikers. I urge all readers to do the same.
misterbenmusic 