tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post5271655179505768672..comments2024-03-18T23:52:31.939-04:00Comments on The Invisible Visible Man: An angry off-duty policeman, a rainy night - and why the suburbs are coming for your bike laneInvisible Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-5311724169531658002014-08-26T04:57:32.711-04:002014-08-26T04:57:32.711-04:00The treatment of cyclists as second class citizens...The treatment of cyclists as second class citizens on the city roads is just appalling, they're saving the environment after all! I'm not a resident of New York city but I found these stories very interesting nonetheless. Patent Attorneyhttp://www.eip.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-50000138993959370012014-06-29T09:21:06.957-04:002014-06-29T09:21:06.957-04:00Anonymous,
It's a one-way street. The picture ...Anonymous,<br />It's a one-way street. The picture in the post shows the view south, while the cars go north. The East River is to the right, so a two-way bike lane on that side of the street is a good, safe solution - except when some fool parks in the lane.<br />All the best,<br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-82322820546664995092014-06-29T09:07:01.428-04:002014-06-29T09:07:01.428-04:00Wow I can't believe you have to ride in a 2 wa...Wow I can't believe you have to ride in a 2 way bike lane on a 2 way street. How incredibly dangerous or is that just another way of discouraging cycling while pretending to be building infrastructure to support it? I live in Australia where you cycle on the same side as the traffic. Unfortunately there are still lots of dumb motorist...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-4914137715881801952014-06-15T15:30:33.615-04:002014-06-15T15:30:33.615-04:00Adrian,
I definitely see why your experience remin...Adrian,<br />I definitely see why your experience reminded you of what happened to me. It's a huge cultural issue that so many NYPD officers seem to regard traffic laws as a trap for the unwary, not an end in themselves.<br />As for this "I'm more New Yorker than you" garbage, just ask him if he's Lenape. If he isn't, he's an incomer. It's just a question of when the ship or plane arrived.<br />All the best,<br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-15235069739962917882014-06-15T09:56:21.971-04:002014-06-15T09:56:21.971-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-83168117666176762402014-06-15T09:35:44.975-04:002014-06-15T09:35:44.975-04:00I had an experience last night which reminded me o...I had an experience last night which reminded me of this blog post. I was cycling north in the Dean St bike lane (around Bond St, where the speed limit is 20mph), when a black SUV flew past me doing at least 40mph and straying into the bike lane. When I inevitably caught up to the guy at the next lights, we had the following conversation:<br />Me - Do you know what the speed limit on this road is?<br />Him - Why would that matter?<br />Me (slightly taken aback) - well it's illegal and unsafe to be doing 40mph in a residential 20mph zone<br />Him - I'm NYPD, I'll just show my badge if I get stopped<br />Me - I'm slightly shocked to see the NYPD is so open about breaking the laws you're theoretically supposed to uphold<br />Him - Where are you from?<br />Me - Why is that relevant?<br />Him - Tell me, I'm doing a survey. You sound kinda English<br />Me - Kinda English, as in from England?<br />Him - I'm from New York all my life<br />Me - so are you saying that people from New York don't have to obey the laws of New York, or that people from New York are unable to read massive lettering in the road saying 20mph?<br />Him - I know the laws of New York<br />Me - You evidently don't you *********<br />Him - You shouldn't even be here, go back home<br /><br />Unfortunately I don't have any means to video interactions like these, but what startled me most was the guy's brazen confidence (when accused of acting illegally) in announcing that he was NYPD and all he would have to do would be to flash his badge to get off it. That is a rotten culture right there...Adriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-60113013435646973452014-06-13T01:38:07.041-04:002014-06-13T01:38:07.041-04:00Someone's got to start arresting those crimina...Someone's got to start arresting those criminal "cops". Next time they drive through a red light, they should get taken down with extreme prejudice. Unfortunately, to do that, you first need to organize a local police force...Nathanaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-64747912824231689102014-06-13T01:35:36.611-04:002014-06-13T01:35:36.611-04:00If there had been two of you cycling, I'd have...If there had been two of you cycling, I'd have strongly suggested that one start filming while the other called the police on him.<br /><br />Alone, it's too dangerous -- he's likely to murder you if there are no witnesses. They're usually a bit afraid to murder two people, it's hard to do.Nathanaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-81708043041433411242014-06-06T10:53:28.798-04:002014-06-06T10:53:28.798-04:00Adrian,
The comment was one of several that came ...Adrian,<br /><br />The comment was one of several that came in after some police officer posted my blogpost on some strange website for unpleasant police officers with an invitation that people post abusive messages. I deleted the others after I realised what was going on and disabled comments for a while. That's why, unfortunately, I've had to switch to moderated comments.<br /><br />So it might be my guy or it might not.<br /><br />The abusive post has now been taken down. While I might not, according to these people, be "to smart," I'm smart enough not to post stuff that breaches multiple aspects of a web-hosting service's user agreement.<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-950369591276334152014-06-06T07:06:17.394-04:002014-06-06T07:06:17.394-04:00Ha I think you might just be right, Invisible. If ...Ha I think you might just be right, Invisible. If true, this guy is even more stupid than he came across in your original post. <br /><br />I'm no expert on this stuff, but isn't it possible to trace the IP address to get a name, and then you'll be able to do an image search on his name + NYPD, see if it's the right chap, then file a police complaint?<br /><br />Adriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-33459448844184291142014-05-30T20:58:01.446-04:002014-05-30T20:58:01.446-04:00It's you, isn't it? You're the officer...It's you, isn't it? You're the officer from last Friday, aren't you?<br /><br />But I'll give you your due. I am finding it hilarious that you are actually dumb enough to post the comment, "You're not to smart, are you?" I'm sure there's some fancy Greek term for an accusation that actually says more about the accuser than the accused.<br /><br />Very funny. Well done.<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-49575026793473736592014-05-30T14:09:14.079-04:002014-05-30T14:09:14.079-04:00Interesting how now you make excuses for the lack ...Interesting how now you make excuses for the lack of any evidence. Dag- nappbit..Let us blame the smartphone instead of the dim witted fool who owns it. Luckily for you and your fantasy based story, there are no witnesses or evidence. Surely, you do not expect us to take the word of a person who actively embellishes the hell out of every blog he posts? As for the abusive language, i am merely quoting the very language that you used in your sorry blog. You are not to smart are you? Never mind...Please do not bother answering the latter question for your actions have answered it for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-7236314379402410822014-05-30T14:04:05.684-04:002014-05-30T14:04:05.684-04:00As the piece explains, I had a camera in my bag an...As the piece explains, I had a camera in my bag and it's when I went to get it that he left. It's undoubtedly an issue that I don't have a decent smartphone that could take such pictures or use a helmet camera but I don't write lies here or anywhere else and I also have the courage to say who I am.<br />Also, I don't appreciate your unpleasant use of abusive language.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-82813729633102133642014-05-30T13:55:48.489-04:002014-05-30T13:55:48.489-04:00Your are damn right I do not believe a word out of...Your are damn right I do not believe a word out of your "faggity assed" mouth. You expect me to believe after all the effort you went through to engage this person that you did not have the brain cells to take a proper picture of the car, the plate or the person. How dare you try to pass off this piece of fecal matter as a legitimate blog. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-57531609806170147212014-05-30T13:24:55.158-04:002014-05-30T13:24:55.158-04:00Anonymous,
I note, among other points, that you h...Anonymous,<br /><br />I note, among other points, that you have taken the courageous decision to go by the name "Anonymous" when posting here.<br /><br />If you don't believe what I wrote, tough. It's still true.<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-43952042347085329082014-05-30T13:21:16.778-04:002014-05-30T13:21:16.778-04:00What an utter fabrication of horse manure. We both...What an utter fabrication of horse manure. We both know that you really rode your "Faggity ass" bicycle around the car and pretty much fabricated this entire story as you rushed home to sip on your choco-mocha latte. Grow a set of balls and actually dare to confront the driver instead of delving into a whimsical fantasy based diatribe where upon you alter ego vanquished the dreaded bike lane moocher. Oh the humanity of it all. Act more and blog less, cupcake.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-81800283080935282572014-05-28T10:20:50.376-04:002014-05-28T10:20:50.376-04:00Qatzek,
I do largely go round. It's only when...Qatzek,<br /><br />I do largely go round. It's only when the abuse is especially flagrant that I talk to the driver. There's more risk assessment going on than might be apparent.<br /><br />The thing about this guy was I initially thought he might just be confused. I never dreamt it would just turn out he thought he could break the rules because he was a cop.<br /><br />I find the concern of you and other readers touching, however.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-64737795907747230322014-05-27T21:55:24.243-04:002014-05-27T21:55:24.243-04:00"I'm depressed on an existential "wh..."I'm depressed on an existential "when will this ever change?" level"<br /><br />It will change when the infrastructure has been upgraded to make it hard for cars to penetrate onto the cycling lane. Painted lines are never enough to eliminate parked cars. In the meantime, go around parked cars when it's safe, and don't take so many chances with your safety with spontaneous rants to strangers in parked cars. These can turn nasty and no one wants you to get hurt.Qatzek Okhttp://qatzelok.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-81785112051792309742014-05-27T16:53:40.364-04:002014-05-27T16:53:40.364-04:00South Lakes,
Thank you for your kind words.
You&...South Lakes,<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words.<br /><br />You're right that elected officials have to set the tone for police officers. Sadly, there's a history in New York City of there being unelected officials - whether police chiefs or Robert Moses - who are more powerful than the mayor. I think the present police chief probably wants to improve road safety. But there's a baleful legacy from his predecessor - and I'm not sure that stamping out the kind of nonsense I encountered is a top priority. The scale of the task is indeed of the kind Sisyphus would have recognised. That's why the position's depressing.<br /><br />I do try to be careful, meanwhile. There are far more fights I don't pick than those I do.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-63765708913910259052014-05-27T16:46:15.046-04:002014-05-27T16:46:15.046-04:00I share your dismay at people who are supposed to ...I share your dismay at people who are supposed to be in authority being smug about abusing it. I do know police officers who are awesome human beings and who apply the law fairly. But I also know that it is very difficult for them, both in training and personality, to defy the "standard" of their department. So it starts at the very top. The League of American Bicyclists' 5 E's has "Education" as one of them. Educating our police chiefs that ALL citizens are of value is paramount. If the Chief sets the standard most of the officers will follow. Sadly, my experience (even when a prosecutor) is that the Chief will set the politically astute standard. So then it gets to our elected officials. The Mayor, or whatever that equivalent job title, needs to hold the Chief personally responsible and the department corporately responsible. Feeling a little like Sisyphus with that challenge! Thanks for sharing this and for being bold. Do be careful. The other Invisible Visibles need you to be more than a legend. :-)SouthLakesMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08822510653198676631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-80298772114755839692014-05-27T16:26:41.077-04:002014-05-27T16:26:41.077-04:00Samantha,
Thank you. I'm depressed on an exis...Samantha,<br /><br />Thank you. I'm depressed on an existential "when will this ever change?" level, rather than an I-hate-myself-why-do-I-carry-on? level. So I'm getting by. A nice Memorial Day bike ride with my wife and children helped too, even if I came across a vehicle partially obstructing the Kent Avenue bike lane at almost exactly the same spot as on Friday.<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words of support.<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-53088803702668762122014-05-27T16:11:06.179-04:002014-05-27T16:11:06.179-04:00Robert, don't feel depressed or discouraged. Y...Robert, don't feel depressed or discouraged. You stood up for what's right and spoke truth to power. It many not change anything today or tomorrow, but change will not come if people remain silent. The bleakest times NYC has faced were when people gave up and chose to leave or be silent.Samantha Davisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-14870194055927371302014-05-27T13:21:21.836-04:002014-05-27T13:21:21.836-04:00Dave,
Thank you for your kind words.
Although it...Dave,<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words.<br /><br />Although it might not seem that way, I tend to pick my battles. One can't yell at everyone.<br /><br />A camera might be useful. I've avoided getting one, however, because I thought it might increase my stress. Also, it would be time-consuming downloading and editing the footage and the Invisible Visible Woman already has legitimate complaints about the high proportion of my time eaten up with either working or writing this blog.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-69291313930748668682014-05-27T13:13:52.823-04:002014-05-27T13:13:52.823-04:00Good post, showing the impossibility of finding th...Good post, showing the impossibility of finding the middle path which will change attitudes and improve the bike situation, while at the same time not risking your own life. We just have to do the best we can. I tend to assume that most of the egregious violators cannot be persuaded or even reasoned with effectively and safely, so for the most part I try to remain invisible. Perhaps cameras and public exposure will actually influence attitudes ever so slowly. Good luck! Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02410730859699014703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002171964909690430.post-87710483645052614312014-05-27T12:13:51.929-04:002014-05-27T12:13:51.929-04:00Beatlescrazyman,
I rode up the Vernon Avenue bike...Beatlescrazyman,<br /><br />I rode up the Vernon Avenue bike lane yesterday. There's a real problem with vehicles intruding into it and someone should address it. I guess we can be confident it won't be the police, however.<br /><br />I note, meanwhile, that the NYPD are ticketing cyclists today on the Upper West Side, in an utterly depressing illustration of how little they understand what's needed to make the streets safer.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Invisible.Invisible Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942359504874275065noreply@blogger.com