So he proceeds to ride in the bike lane regardless if there’s anything obstructing his path. Hilarity ensues.
NYC Bikers, FYI:
§ 1234 of the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) states, among other things, that
- bicyclists must use a bike lane if one exists.
- bicyclists must ride to the far right-hand side of the street if no bike lane exists.
- bicyclists must ride no more than two abreast.
However, § 4-02(e) of the NYC Traffic Rules (PDF Format) explicitly overrules § 1234 of the VTL:
§ 4-02(e) State law provisions superseded. Pursuant to authority provided by section 1642 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law [1], the following provisions of such law shall not be effective in the City of New York: sections 1112, 1142(b), 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1156(b), 1157, 1171, 1201, 1202, and 1234.
Do you have to ride in the bike lane if there is one?
Generally, yes (as per § 4-12(p) of the aforementioned NYC Traffic Rules), except when you need to turn off the road and for reasons of safety, and only if the bike lane is usable. Many bike lanes in New York City are not usable; they’re unsafe, obstructed, and not even built to highway code specifications. You could get a bogus ticket for not using them, though.
