Comments for The Naparstek Post

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Josh

Josh — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:44:04 +0000

I biked in the old days in NYC. In many ways it was a lot less dangerous. No SUVS, no cell phones, no tinted glass so you can see what drivers were actually doing in their vehicles — snorting cocaine, masturbating, eating their lunch, putting on make up, shaving, whatever — and thus know what to watch out for. So I’m pleased that we have this separation called “protected” bike lanes. It’s like two evolving species parting ways. At one time I recognized the drivers in the glaze of the window. No more. Nor do I trust their driving anymore, or feel the least bit consoled by their apologies of “I didn’t see her” after they kill you .

So for my daughter’s sake and the lives of innocent young people who might be unfamiliar with the old days, but who are now confronted with a deadlier, faster, and more unpredictable enemy — I welcome what Bloomberg and Sadik-Khan has done.

I really think, in a deeply disturbing visceral, primordial way, the anti-bike lane backlash is due to our interrupting of a killing frenzy that allows motorists to kill with impunity.

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Leah Casner

Leah Casner — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:18:24 +0000

re: Bicyclists and Humor http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/03/10/2011-03-10_bike_lane_foes_need_to_slow_down_share_the_road_walkers_and_drivers.html

Please see my piece in todyas; Ny Daily News. Wis hpeoollwoud lac tually read it til the end..

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Fred

Fred — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:04:50 +0000

Nanny State, Nanny State!!! Where’s ones sense of adventure? Stop Government—anarchists unite. Let’s form a million factions and sort it out with blood in the streets. Quality of life—I’m a warrior—all I want is nicotine, trans fat, and a gas guzzling vibrator stuck in traffic. It’s the value of the commons—I win, you all pay. What’s John Stoss-hole’s opinion on this?

p.s. can you develop the same kind of synopsis for the Federalist Papers? Please include the concepts of liberalism, egalitarianism, and plurality. Also, highlight their importance in our present society and in the formation of our country and its constitution, (or is this all a states right issue).

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by P F Gray

P F Gray — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:14:42 +0000

Everyone makes mistakes, and this is the biggest one I’ve seen in print from Cassidy. Great job with this site (6th item from the bottom is perfect), and comments on the original blog are outstanding. I’m a bicycle commuter (given reasonably decent weather and roads), but have a car, too. Plus I’m an economist, and up till now, a fan of Cassidy’s writing. He did a great job with How Markets Fail. But he deserves to be dragged over the coals on this one.

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Steve

Steve — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:16:24 +0000

One note: blogs at the New Yorker are not fact-checked; the “vaunted fact-checking apparatus” only works on the print magazine, as far as I know.

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Lindsay

Lindsay — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:13:09 +0000

If only transportation funding were allocated according to the % of people commuting by mode. In NYC, 55% would go to public transportation, 10-12% would go to bike/ped, and 29% would go to cars & parking. For some reason, I don’t think this is currently the case.

Data from: http://transportation-modes-city.findthebest.com/

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Detroit

Detroit — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:16:59 +0000

What’s so sad is that people like Mr. Cassidy have been utilizing this logic for a very, very long time and have done irreparable damage to our cities. How has this “economist” not learned from Robert Moses and others cramming expressways through vibrant neighborhoods?

What is great is the reaction. So many blogs (from the Economist to NYtimes) have come out basically laughing at this “economist.”

Cassidy, of course, simply chalks this up to bikers being snotty jerks.

Great summary.

-a non biker.

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by culprit

culprit — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:31:30 +0000

Iris Weinshal Schumer was the WORST DOT commish EVER. didn’t do a damn thing. Nice patronage job, Chuck.

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by jooltman

jooltman — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:45:34 +0000

Great summation. What I find most amusing is Cassidy’s unabashed entitlement issues around his car. Even the folks suing the City to remove the PPW bike lane know to cage their argument in aesthetic and procedural objections. Cassidy is like a babe in the woods, with his vehicular id flapping out for all to see.

Comment on The New York City Bike Lane Backlash is Completely Irrational by Debussy Fields

Debussy Fields — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:21:53 +0000

I had somefin trully brillz to type here while I was crossing the st but a bicycle yelled and now my txt is rooned! Arrest dat bike! And its ryder!