Though modest by comparison, here’s another first for this historic day. Manhattan Community Board 2’s Ian Dutton sent over photos of the new Grand Street cycle track, the city’s initial attempt at a parking-protected design.

Says Ian:

With a one-block exception, from Varick St. to Centre St. seems to be
open for business, only lacking the bicycle symbols on the lane itself.
The section through Little Italy and Chinatown is nearly complete, with
a few minor surface details remaining.

My experience on two circuits today was that it worked beautifully.
Cars were parked as expected and the "mixing zones" accommodating
turning vehicles across the bike lane were handled unusually
respectfully from drivers, who were probably not sure how to treat
them. Not bad for the first (or maybe second) day.

There were a few pedestrians who stepped off the curb to cross the
street and waited in the bike lane, but that is no different than any
other bike lane. I’m very hopeful that we’re off to a good start.

Photo pool contributor Jacob-uptown had similar things to say after cruising the new Grand: "Cars have learned where to park … This is a huge precedent for creating these cheap yet highly
effective bike lanes."

More pics after the jump. Note the overhead signage.