10 Lessons I've learned from Biking in NYC

Yesterday I rode from Brooklyn to Manhattan (during rush hour) to pick something up from a store there. I learned a few lessons in the process....

1. Rush hour for cars is also rush hour for bikes. 
2. Make the assumption that nobody (pedestrians, drivers, or dogs) sees or hears you because most of the time... they don't.
3. Assume that every yellow cab is actually trying to hit you.  
4. At all times you need to be looking in front, in back, to the left, to the right, as well as down for the random sink holes that I swear have cameras pinned on them so government officials can watch bikers unknowingly fly over them and laugh at their almost demise.
5. The Manhattan Bridge is ALWAYS a better alternative to the Brooklyn.... unless your actual goal is to run over tourists and amateur photographers. 
6. People who bike the wrong way in a bike lane deserve to be yelled at... don't hold back.
7. Citibike riders often have no idea of typical "road etiquette" BEWARE! ( Don't worry I'm still a huge supporter... although those people need to wear helmets!)
8. When in a protected bike lane, you are not safe! Your new enemies are pedestrians, doors, and dogs.
9. Riding your bike is the ONLY way to have complete control over your arrival time. You will not get stuck in traffic or be subject to the whimsical temper of the MTA
10. As long as you're a wise and aware rider. NYC is very bike friendly and you will see things you never would have seen on foot, by car, or by public transportation. 

Ride On My Friends

I also discovered the Allen St Green way which was a pleasant change from the China Town streets!