This note could be nested in any one of several other threads but I presume to give it its own moment in the light lest it be overlooked.

"sgnoka" (Is that you, John T?) offered the following link in Alan Resnick's Sunday riding in CP thread. http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precincts/precinct_022.shtml

Here is truly astonishing information that comes out of that link. The link lists the members of the Central Park Community Council under a photo of CP police precinct Capt. Philip Wishnia (the man who was so darn entertaining at the recent, oft-mentioned roundtable meeting, telling us he was not targeting cyclists but, instead, was simply enforcing all laws even-handedly).

Just an idea that was suggested to me by someone who saw my video on the Gothamist website....

What if we got a whole bunch of cyclists together and had someone take videos of us all stopping at several red lights with no pedestrians around? Just a BIG group ride around Central Park for a lap or so. It would be quite impressive if a mass of cyclists rode... came to a stop at a red light with no pedestrians... then rode a little more and did it again. We wouldn't be breaking any laws. Just demonstrating (maybe emphasizing) why this issue irritates many of us.

And then if we can publicize the video a little bit, it might help people understand our perspective.

--------
I Cho
http://chasingwheels.blogspot.com

I believe that ride leaders should appropriately set rider expectations in advance and then, where conditions permit (cutting routes short because of the arrival of severe weather, rerouting because of emergency road closures etc.), lead the ride in accordance with those expectations. Riders likewise owe it to themselves, the leaders and their fellow riders to come prepared to meet expectations. This applies whether its an A, B or C ride. It is rude for a stronger rider to take the cue sheet and go significantly off the front (other than the usual "see you at the top" on climbs). Worse still is when several riders decide that they want the ride to have a faster pace and lead the majority off the front leaving those who came prepared to the expected difficulty/pace behind.

It's actually pretty amazing how many there are. It's also quite hard to keep count up to 46 while doing laps. I wish I were smarter. :)

I've put up a video of a couple of the traffic light intersections to show people how ridiculous it is to stand at a red light.... Yes, I agree that if you run a red light you are technically guilty. But it doesn't mean that it's not ridiculous....

http://chasingwheels.blogspot.com/2011/02/46-lights-of-central-park.html

I hope things settle down soon.

Ah; my first riding of full laps in the park since the start of "The Selective Enforcement"! I now know that there are 46(yes forty-six) traffic lights per lap!! I was able to have greens by doing the speed limit of 25MPH each lap; slowing down to 20 when posted. I guess they are synced for that speed. It was only tough on the uphills; when the speed limit stayed at 25! AS, I had greens all the time I also was able to count how many times other park users violated my right of way: 34 !! That is why there are so many accidents in the park! PS-there were very few cyclists riding today from 11:30-=1:15PM alan

I know that I may be jumping the gun here as there are still four (4) hours and fifteen (15) minutes left in the day... But... this is the first day since we opened the SIGs to sign-ups that NO ONE signed up for the A-19.

A lesser ego MIGHT attribute this to the fact that no one wants to ride with him... luckily, I do not suffer from a lack of ego... If you're on the fence with this, SIGN UP NOW, you won't regret it!

George Arcarola
A-19 SIG captain

Yet more police brutaliy!
...or in this case, just stupidity?

Cop Tickets Cyclist for Not Wearing Helmet
Read the story (GOTHAMIST)...

http://gothamist.com/2011/02/07/cop_tickets_cyclist_for_not_wearing.php (

The Palisades Market which opened and closed last year is being replaced. The new owner, Stavros is a successful NY restauranteur and Piermont area resident.
He expects it to open in March and he is naming it "The Filling Station" after the property's original business.. In addition to being at a convenient location for cyclists, its spacious grounds give it a park-like feel.

Blah, it was crap out there today. Freezing, gusty side wind (from the west) the whole way up and back. Got snowed upon on River Road. (Yes, snow.) Giant coffee at Bunberry was some consolation but then we had to ride back (what?!), as we were unable to hail a limo. Wahhh, toes cold! Only significant tailwind was on the GWB on the way home.

Oh well. Props to my fellow riders in our small party of 4 for keeping their bikes upright, staying cheerful, and getting a ride done. The first warm Saturday of 2011 will now be all the sweeter...

Anyone have a new or barely use wheel-set they want to sell?