Come along on a hands free, fixed gear, no brake bike ride from Williamsburg to Roosevelt Island and back. The video starts at the 11 minute mark crossing the Roosevelt Island bridge.
Start at the beginning of the video to watch the entire bike ride.
 |
| Image From RIOC |
 |
| Image From RIOC |
... Is this a done deal? Every time it came up we asked about it we were told oh don't worry we're just discussing it. It doesn't sound like we're just discussing it anymore. Of all the things we have to do on the island we're going to spend this kind of money on a bike ramp? Seriously?
... If we had a ton of money and we were just flush, great. Meanwhile the nonprofits are dying, we're tripping and falling all over the sidewalks. What the hell are we spending this kind of money for?...
Roosevelt Island resident, Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair and bike rider Paul Krikler said:
... I'm not here to argue exactly what this should look like and you're right about certain features of this and also the cost. I get that and I'm glad to see the federal grant money will be applied for and hopefully we'll get that.What I really want to register with the RIOC board and RIOC itself is that we do need to examine exactly where we are right now, in the middle of six months of Transit Hell.It's not just people who live here. Other people who come here as well would want to use a bike, not just visitors to cycle around but to come and visit people or to do things here. We should be using every opportunity we have to get as many options as we can for people to do lots of things, again not withstanding specific objections...
... We're going to be talking about priorities...
... We'll keep these comments in mind. The reason I originally wanted to have a ramp like that... we were working on the main Helix I wanted there to be a Plan B...
... I can't vouch for all those decisions made by our prior predecessors...
Here's the full February 15, 2024 REDAC Bike Ramp/Lane discussion.
In December 2020 the projected budget for the Bike Ramp was $4 million.
|
| Image From RIOC |
Here's more on the proposed Roosevelt Island Motorgate Bike Ramp from RIOC.
A mobile bike repair shop, Velofix, is coming to the Roosevelt Island Motorgate Helix next to Foodtown (686 Main Street) Saturday November 18 from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Roosevelt Island resident and bicycle activist Paul Krikler reports:
I ride my bike often and will drag it across the river to LIC for repair because I use it so much. It's really a pain especially if you can't wheel the bike far.
That's when I had the idea to get a mobile bike van to come to Roosevelt Island.
The plan is to have them come regularly Spring to Fall.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Dear Roosevelt Island Community:We're excited to announce that Velofix, a mobile bike service that offers repairs and other bike maintenance services, is coming to Roosevelt Island this Saturday, November 18th from 10AM to 4PM under the Helix:
"North America's largest fleet of mobile bike shops, Velofix is dedicated to helping you save time, ride more, and embrace an active and healthy lifestyle by providing convenient, time-saving solutions for all your bike service needs. We will be at the Helix on Saturday, November 18th 10am-4pm. Bring your bike early to secure a spot on the schedule, and mention code RI112023 for a 10% discount on your service!"
No prior sign-up is necessary. Visit Velofix to learn more about services offered and pricing (use zip code 10021 on the website).
-Team RIOC
On August 16, 2011, Roosevelt Islander Online reported:
Roosevelt Island resident Jonathan Clements shares this email message he sent to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) last Wednesday, August 10:
I'm a Roosevelt Island resident. I'm also an avid bicyclist -- and I have a suggestion. It's great that a lane is set aside for cyclists crossing the bridge into Queens. But it would be helpful if the bridge's metal grill were covered by some sort of mat. You may not be aware of this, but -- when it rains -- metal-grill bridges are like sheets of ice if you're a cyclist, especially if you're on a road bike with thin tires. I was reminded of this on Sunday: My son and I were crossing the bridge on our bicycles early on Sunday morning, after the rain had stopped, and as soon as we hit the metal grill, we both started sliding. We immediately got off our bikes and walked them across....... UPDATE 8/17 - Mr. Clements received this reply from the RIOC Dirctors yesterday:
Thank you for your attention to the quality of life on Roosevelt Island. We at RIOC appreciate your help in working to make this island even better. The Roosevelt Island bridge work is being performed and overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and is not under RIOC's jurisdiction. Please contact DOT's Director of Community Affairs,...... UPDATE 8/18 - Mr. Clements contacted the DOT with his concerns about safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge metal grill bike lanes. He received this response:
Thank you for your email regarding the improvement of bike mobility and safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. We have forwarded your message to the appropriate unit in DOT Bridges for review. We will provide you with their determination.
9 years later, efforts to get a safe Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane surface
covering were still a work in progress.
Local Activist @PaulKrikler Efforts To Make Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Lane Metal Grating Safe Getting Closer To Success - @NYC_DOT Will Seek Funding For New Decking In Next Budget, No More Riding On Industrial Cheese Grater @BenKallos https://t.co/TijzPYuaeN pic.twitter.com/dHxTzemMmE
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 10, 2020
After more than 11 years of pleading by residents, including petitions and urgings from elected officials, the NYC Department of Transportation last month finally began the installation of a safe surface covering over the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane metal "industrial cheese grater".
Last Friday, December 9, NYC Council Members Julie Menin & Julie Won together with Roosevelt Island residents Paul Krikler and Lynn Shinozaki (both Manhattan Community Board 8 members) and NYC DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar celebrated the installation of the new Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Lane surface safety covering by cycling from Queens to Roosevelt Island.
Today we joined @JulieMenin & @CMJulieWon to celebrate the piloting of a new surface on the #BikeNYC lane of the Roosevelt Island Bridge. This pilot tackled the complex issue of installing a lightweight rideable surface onto a movable (lift) bridge. pic.twitter.com/GFC8z5bVeM
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) December 9, 2022
I spoke with the group after they crossed the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Here's what they had to say.
Commissioner Pincar reported the cost of the 300 polymer panels used to cover
the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane metal grating was under $100 Thousand.
Commissioner Pincar added if the winter and summer testing pilot stage is
successful, the surface coverings could be used on other NYC bridge bike
lanes.
According to this release from Council Member Menin's office:
Council Members Julie Menin and Julie Won joined Manhattan Borough Commissioner of the Department of Transportation Edward Pincar Jr. today to celebrate the success of the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane pilot project. The installation of new smooth and weather-resistant material makes the bike lane safer for cyclists in both wet and dry conditions.
Constituents and transportation leaders had previously advocated to Council Member Julie Menin to address unsafe and unpleasant conditions for bike riders on the Roosevelt Island Bridge: riders previously had to ride over the same metal “cheese grater-like” material that automobiles drove over on the drawbridge. This surface could be especially hazardous in inclement weather.
Working with Council Members Menin and Won, NYC’s Department of Transportation piloted a program to use a new material to cover the bike lane. This was the first time the Department had ever used the material in New York City. The DOT ordered 300 metal panels with flexible delineators from England and installed them in October to cover the bridge’s bike lane. Since the initial installation in October, the DOT has tested the panels under a variety of conditions. The testing is now fully complete and the installation has been deemed successful.
“I am pleased to see the immediate success of this pilot program on the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane. Prior to the installation of these panels, which were first tested by NYC Department of Transportation on the Roosevelt Island Bridge, our cyclists were biking in hazardous conditions in non-weather-resistant slippery metal. I look forward to these panels being used throughout the city to make bike lanes safer. Thank you to Manhattan Commissioner Pincar and my colleague Council Member Julie Won for working together to find a solution for our bicyclists,” said Council Member Julie Menin.
“I support any effort to prioritize cyclists’ safety, from calling on the city to open the south outer roadway on the Queensboro Bridge, to launching this brand new pilot program to make the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike path safe in all weather,” said Council Member Julie Won. “This bridge connects our neighbors in Queens and Manhattan, and we will continue to push for safer conditions on all of our bridges across our city. Thank you to Council Member Julie Menin and DOT for keeping our neighbors on both sides of the bridge safe and promoting climate-friendly transportation.”
“DOT is proud to launch this innovative pilot on the Roosevelt Island Bridge, improving safety and mobility for hundreds of cyclists on their only available route getting to and from the island,” said DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar. “We are grateful both for the creative collaboration with City Council Members Menin and Won – as well as the hard work of the DOT Bridges team who got this done. We look forward to getting feedback on the improvements from local cyclists in the months ahead.”
“I’m thrilled that the cheese grater has been covered in the bike lanes. In fact, I rode across on Wednesday in the rain and it was fantastic. No slipping. Thank you DOT,” said co-chair of Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee, cyclist and resident of Roosevelt Island, Paul Krikler.
“Thank you DOT and Council Member Menin for helping us with our goal of creating a bike riding healthy New York City. To accomplish this it takes these small steps, creating a safe bike lane, making it easier and better to bike and run here. We are so excited and grateful that DOT and Menin’s office have worked with us to make riding to our incredible island that much safer,” said co-chair of Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee, Lynne Shinozaki.
The Twitterverse adds:
The surface had to be durable enough to stand up to weather and construction loading while providing enough grip on the surface adequate for cyclists in inclement weather. In that vein, a fiber reinforced polymer panel traditionally used for trench covers was repurposed. pic.twitter.com/GxvSvr9wJE
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) December 9, 2022
This is the first time the Department had ever used the material in #NYC. The DOT ordered 300 metal panels w/ flexible delineators from England and installed them in October to cover the bridge’s bike lane. Testing is now fully complete, and the pilot is a success!
— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) December 9, 2022
Celebrated the installation of weather-resistant bike lane coverings on Roosevelt Island Bridge that will make the bike path safer. Thank you to CM @JulieMenin & @NYC_DOT for keeping our neighbors on both sides of the bridge safe & promoting climate-friendly transportation! https://t.co/d0gLUX1SrZ pic.twitter.com/uSFuqLz6cf
— Council Member Julie Won (@CMJulieWon) December 10, 2022
And it only took 11 years.
After at least 11 years of pleading, the NYC DOT has finally installed a safety covering on the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane metal grating.... Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler has been working to make the Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike lane safe for cyclists. According to Mr Krikler:
The Roosevelt Island Bridge and bike lane is under the jurisdiction of the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the metal grating bike lane safety problem has been reported on as far back as 2011...
Here's what it looked like for cyclists riding over the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane new safety covering yesterday.
On Instagram and Twitter, I asked cyclists what they though of the new Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane safety covering. Responses included:
I spoke with Mr Krikler on October 22 as the DOT began to install the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane safety covering.
Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Julie Menin adds:
Once successful, this surface covering can be replicated around the city over metal grating structures to allow for smoother rides for cyclists. Thanks to @RooseveltIsland for first reporting as well. https://t.co/rpxK8ejbUq
— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) October 25, 2022
Roosevelt Island's FDR 4 Freedoms Park has become a popular spot for skateboarders to sneak in and attempt to jump from the Louis Kahn designed Memorial Wall before being spotted and kicked out by the Park's staff or Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.
According to Jenkem Magazine You Tube video transcript:
... Roosevelt Island is on the east side of Manhattan in between Manhattan and Queens and it's just like a skinny island with this big monument at the end. It's like the most amazing skate spot ever...
Scoping out Roosevelt Island with the Citi Bike Boyz:https://t.co/dISDueOn0Q pic.twitter.com/9fswSEvstl
— Jenkem Magazine (@jenkemmag) November 9, 2022
Jenkem Magazine adds:
... If you’re still not familiar with Citi Bike Boyz, they’re a group of New Yorkers who roll around the city doing ridiculous stunts on the iconic blue rideshare bikes, filming and sharing their hijinx for our viewing pleasure...
... This time around, we hit up head Citi Bike Boy Jerome Peel to see if he’d be up for the challenge of hitting the Roosevelt Island monument....
Here's the Citi Bike Boyz Roosevelt Island challenge at the FDR Park 4 Freedoms Park.
Earlier this year, an out of town Skateboard team attempted a similar airborne jump. Here's what happened.
Register for a great Open Data Week event at @cornell_tech ! Hear and discuss how open data can help us better understand and improve bike lanes and city streets. Attend in-person or virtually, in conjunction with @BetaNYC and @NYCAnalytics https://t.co/3xaDHEAE6N
— Conor Lyman (@ConorLyman) March 9, 2022
The Cornell Tech Urban Tech Hub at Roosevelt Island is hosting an in-person and virtual meeting on:
Using Open Data for a Safer and Improved Cycling Network in NYC
According to NYC Open Data:
March 11 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Free
Did you know New York City has the oldest bike lane in America, and one of the largest bike networks, plus bike share programs in North America? 🚲
The Covid-19 pandemic introduced hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to this bicycle infrastructure for the first time. This session highlights student research from Cornell Tech that explores the intersection of open data and how the City can enhance multiple generations of infrastructure improvements with a focus on safety.
Join us to learn how to use open data to understand the past and present, while building a safer future for all in New York City. This hybrid session will be introduced by the City’s Chief Analytics Officer, Martha Norrick, and is organized by the Cornell Tech Urban Tech Hub....
... All in-person attendees are invited to join us for a closing reception at Granny Annie’s Bar & Kitchen, 425 Main St, New York, NY 10044 (on Roosevelt Island). We look forward to seeing you!
Click here for more info and to register for the event.
How about using some of that Open Data to doing something about the unsafe bike lane on the Roosevelt Island Bridge?Did you ever think people would be coming to Roosevelt Island for drinks? https://t.co/T6gPeiHeeR
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 9, 2022
Julie Menin is the NYC Council Member representing Roosevelt Island.I have been advocating for this and will continue to push.
— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) March 10, 2022
I can attest to that issue as well as if you try riding over on certain bikes aka a road bike the grates will pop the tires. Multiple tires blown just by riding over.
— Stevie White (@arj2002) March 10, 2022
The gap is big enough that a small person could potentially slip through. All the way down to the river surface.
— BikeQNS (@BikeQns) March 9, 2022
A Roosevelt Island resident and bike rider reported Saturday February 26:
I’ve been in touch with DOT regarding the flex posts coming down and blocking the bike lane in great numbers. I tried reporting through both RIOC systems but that didn’t work, so I went through 311/DOT. They responded by putting up these huge orange barriers that fall over into the bike lane (and everywhere else), further obstructing it (north lane):
And now the south lane looked like this on Thursday and Friday:
I’ve reported at least 3x in the last several months. Seems the old flex posts are due for removal and replacement, stat.When I’m not caught completely unaware of the fact that the bike lane is blocked by debris of the system that was designed to protect me,I take the bridge lane. This is my right as a cyclist in NYC, but inevitably, cars blow by me on the bridge as they can’t be bothered to follow me across.From my perspective, riding a pedal-assist cargo bike with 2 kids on the back for school runs, this is a hazardous situation we can’t afford to ignore.At the very least, we should have signs that alert drivers that cyclists have the right to take the bridge lane. And, RIOC should respond to tickets filed in some way - even if to say it’s DOT’s responsibility and provide link to the form for DOT. If the condition can’t be immediately corrected, signage warning cyclists the lane is blocked would be prudent.
This morning’s offering. I’m not sure why all of these moveable safety objects are placed where they can fall into and obstruct the bike lanes. I’d also note the presence of a large amount of gravel on the shoulder in run ups to the bike lanes on both sides. This appeared after the first snowstorm of the season and has remained since.
Roosevelt Island could also use effective bike safety signage like these in Central ParkThe day of my last email to you, the gravel disappeared, which was great.The high winds earlier this week blew a bunch of the moveable orange and white barriers back into the northbound lane. However, they seem to be doing better about getting things out of the bridge bike lanes, because that only lasted a day this time. There's still some obstruction in the north lane, but it's better than it being completely impassable.
to advise bike riders not to ride on the sidewalk or against traffic.
For all of us armchair bike riders.
Click on full screen icon at bottom right of video for better viewing.
Click icon at bottom right for better full screen view.
Click on full screen icon at bottom right of video for better view.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is seeking your answers for a Bike Survey.
According to RIOC:
Give us your Feedback!
After a successful Bike Safety Town Hall, we would like to present the community with the first Roosevelt Island Bike Survey. This survey was designed to collect opinions from the general public and bicycling community of Roosevelt Island regarding their uses of and feelings about cycling, safety, signage, resources, and education. To fill out the survey,,,
The questions in the survey include:
Take the Roosevelt Island Bike Survey here and watch the October 29 Bike Safety Town Hall here.
More info on Roosevelt Island bike safety issues at these prior posts.
As previously reported, Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler has been working to make the Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike lane safe for cyclists. According to Mr Krikler:
... It’s like riding over a an industrial cheese grater....
... The metal grille surface on the bridge is fine for cars but the metal grille makes it extremely uncomfortable to ride across on a bike. Further, in wet and / or cold conditions, the surface becomes very treacherous to cycle across and becomes extremely slippery. I have seen people slide over and fall....
I spoke to Mr. Krikler last Saturday as he was seeking signatures from bike riders on a petition
Today, some good news. According to a spokesperson for Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:
DOT is evaluating bike-friendly materials for the bridge deck and will ask for funding in the next budget.Council Member Kallos adds:
Our office is looking forward to seeing DOT's plan and suggestions. Any opportunity we get to help improve the City's bike infrastructure is an opportunity we like to take advantage of,...
Great job by Mr Krikler bringing attention to this issue. Local activism can work sometimes.
UPDATE 10:30 PM:
Here’s link to show support for fixing Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane metal grating https://t.co/R9xUi6zev2
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) November 11, 2020
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is hosting a Bike Safety Virtual Town Hall Thursday October 29:
RIOC, along with local elected officials and guests from Citi Bike/Lyft, Bike New York, and 511NY Rideshare, will be hosting a Bike Safety Virtual Townhall to discuss questions and concerns, as well as provide needed information to cyclists riding on Roosevelt Island. Join us on Thursday, October 29th at 6:30 PM, via Zoom. Registration is required for this event. To register or submit questions, email: RIBikeSafety@rioc.ny.gov
With the increasing number of bicyclists on Roosevelt Island, safety has been a growing concern on the part of pedestrians, be they elderly, children or anybody walking on the sidewalk, waterfront promenade perimeter, park pathways or crossing the street. Green Roosevelt Island Neighbors (GRIN) founder Anthony Longo reported an incident this weekend which is, unfortunately, all too common. According to Mr Longo:
As I’m sure you have seen, issues with bike riders have increased on the island lately. RIOC’s signs seem to have only made it worse. I can’t even count the amount of near misses I’ve seen on the sidewalk behind 480. People live tweeting their Citi bike adventures while they ride between small children and pets. Or just dinging their bell without slowing down, expecting people to move out of their way. I had a guy the other day holler at me, as he rode past, that it was no longer a sidewalk.
I witnessed an incident yesterday that I cannot ignore. It happened just passed the RIOC offices on the east promenade before the RI bridge. Ironically where the path is at its widest. I was speaking to an elderly friend of mine, and her caretaker. A south bound, unmasked, biker (not a Citi bike) approached. Instead of yielding to the pedestrians he chose to make a derogatory comment to the caretaker as he tried to blow right between them. I stepped in front of him so he had to stop. I asked him if he seriously thought that it was their responsibility to move out of his way. Apparently he did. He made another comment to that end and rode on....
... There is not enough time in the day for me to call PSD every time I see something like this. I filled out a RIOC tikkit just to have it on record. I do not expect much to come with that though. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.
A parent recently wrote:
The CITIBIKES freely operate wherever they want including the riverwalks/sidewalks even in presence of public safety. I called public safety and I was told to call RIOC and I did. I was told that it will be referred to management and look into the contract they had with CITIBIKE.
There has always been posted rules and signs in the island to protect us all. There should be designated bike lanes only.
A group of Roosevelt Island resident bike riders recently got together to form "Roosevelt Island Street Safety Advocates (RISSA). The aim of RISSA is to start a conversation and develop a program for Roosevelt Island Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety. Take a look at their suggestions and let's start a conversation for the benefit of bike riders and pedestrians.
Today, spotted one of few times riders followed Roosevelt Island No Bike signage
Responsible bikers ❤️ For the ones not so experienced, we need to paint a green bike path for a visual cue. Also, the bike lanes should start at each @CitiBikeNYC station leading to the main lane—-“Follow the Green Brick Road”. pic.twitter.com/kLjfLNUl54— Love Not Hate (@ieh_nyc) September 6, 2020
The signs are not easily visible. There is no map at the @CitiBikeNYC stations showing where and how to bike on our island. We need dedicated bike lanes with large markings on the street.— Thierry Rolling (@T19R84) September 7, 2020
It is easy, just look how it is done elsewhere in bike-friendly cities.
They worked this time. First time I ever saw it— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) September 6, 2020
Safety for bicyclists on the Roosevelt Island Bridge has been an ongoing issue. As reported back in August 2011:It's now 2020 and Roosevelt Island bicycle riders are still waiting for NYC Department Of Transportation (DOT) to make the Roosevelt Island Bridge gratings safe.
... I'm a Roosevelt Island resident. I'm also an avid bicyclist -- and I have a suggestion. It's great that a lane is set aside for cyclists crossing the bridge into Queens. But it would be helpful if the bridge's metal grill were covered by some sort of mat. You may not be aware of this, but -- when it rains -- metal-grill bridges are like sheets of ice if you're a cyclist, especially if you're on a road bike with thin tires. I was reminded of this on Sunday: My son and I were crossing the bridge on our bicycles early on Sunday morning, after the rain had stopped, and as soon as we hit the metal grill, we both started sliding. We immediately got off our bikes and walked them across....and the twitterverse cautions:
I hate riding my bike to roosevelt island simply because i feel like ima slip and die on that metal bridgeIn 2011 a Roosevelt Island resident received this response from a DOT spokesperson regarding bike safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge:
— keyser söze (@JayPaperStaxX) June 19, 2013
Thank you for your email regarding the improvement of bike mobility and safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. We have forwarded your message to the appropriate unit in DOT Bridges for review. We will provide you with their determination...
It’s like riding over a an industrial cheese grater.
I'm looking to see if there are other people who ride their bike across Roosevelt Island Bridge and who would like to see a much-improved road surface in the bike lanes.
“I have been coming to Roosevelt Island on an off over the years and now live here. I love how it is so bike friendly and safe. I love that my kids can cycle around in almost total safety. We also have some excellent cycle paths just across in Queens but getting there can be very unpleasant and dangerous.
The metal grille surface on the bridge is fine for cars but the metal grille makes it extremely uncomfortable to ride across on a bike. Further, in wet and / or cold conditions, the surface becomes very treacherous to cycle across and becomes extremely slippery. I have seen people slide over and fall.
According to BMX rider Billy Perry:
We hit the streets of Roosevelt Island and tried to infiltrate one of the best and most secure spots to ride in NYC.Billy and his crew dodged security at FDR Four Freedoms Park, which does not allow bicycles inside, went up the Grand Staircase then jumped his bike over the Wall and onto the ramp
