Amsterdam? Copenhagen? Nope: NYC.

The first thing I thought of when I saw this photo was the famous H.G. Wells quote, "When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race." A city where distinguished gentlemen commute to work by bike is a city where I am happy to live. Of course, this city isn’t bad either. Go ahead and criticize this fellow’s mobile phone and lack of helmet in the comments section. But first ask yourself: Does this photo depict a stupid guy or stupid urban design? 

Snapped by BicyclesOnly at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in Manhattan.

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

A Guilty Motorist Turns Himself In

|
from Ben’s Musings: As I left the garage in a stressed state, I drove through a pedestrian crossing on red lights startling a mother pushing a pram, but missing her by some way. I immediately realised what an utterly stupid thing I had just done and when we got home, before heading out to lunch, […]

Why Is There So Much Traffic in NYC? It’s the Free Roads, Stupid

|
Since the de Blasio administration attempted to cap for-hire cars this summer, the debate over Manhattan traffic has gotten louder, but not more productive. Uber claimed it definitely wasn’t the problem. Some council members wondered if bike lanes were slowing down cars. Amid all the noise, something important got lost. At a hearing about Manhattan traffic this morning convened by Borough President Gale Brewer, a simple […]
STREETSBLOG USA

Why Pedestrians Sometimes Do “Stupid” Things

|
People are often blamed for doing “stupid” things while walking, like “darting out in front of cars.” Why would anyone “dart” in front of a moving vehicle? Seems strange. But that’s the way it could seem, if you’re driving past pedestrian crossings at high speeds. Nathan at Carfree With Kids explains how poor street conditions for […]