Amsterdam? Copenhagen? Nope: NYC.
4:36 PM EDT on May 16, 2008
The first thing I thought of when I saw this photo was the famous H.G. Wells quote, “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.” A city where distinguished gentlemen commute to work by bike is a city where I am happy to live. Of course, this city isn’t bad either. Go ahead and criticize this fellow’s mobile phone and lack of helmet in the comments section. But first ask yourself: Does this photo depict a stupid guy or stupid urban design?
Snapped by BicyclesOnly at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in Manhattan.
Aaron Naparstek is the founder and former editor-in-chief of Streetsblog. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Naparstek's journalism, advocacy and community organizing work has been instrumental in growing the bicycle network, removing motor vehicles from parks, and developing new public plazas, car-free streets and life-saving traffic-calming measures across all five boroughs. He was also one of the original cast members of the "War on Cars" podcast. You can find more of his work on his website.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Brooklyn Crash Victim’s EMT Twin Sister Calls Out City, DSNY for Reckless Driving
"The autopsy report says it was from blunt force trauma. Clearly, that's 1,000s of pounds of pressure that hit her. So how fast were you turning?"
October 30, 2026
Dangerous Drivers At ‘Trunk-Or-Treat’ Show How Cars Are A Horror For Kids All Year Long
Halloween is scary fun for kids — the other 364 days of the year are just scary. And that's why Trunk-or-Treat isn't a half-bad idea!
October 30, 2026
An Interview with the Biggest Cycling Club in New York City
Streetsblog chatted with five members of the New York Cycle Club about Central Park.
October 30, 2026
Our Central Park Wishlist: Perimeter and Transverse Bike Lanes, Fewer Cars and — Yes — Some Speed Limits
What is to be done in the city's most-famous park? We offer some concrete ideas.
October 30, 2026
Friday’s Headlines: Streetsfilms Meets the War on Cars Edition
Tickets are still on sale to see the War on Cars Podcast live and Clarence Eckerson's "Close Encounters of the 34th Avenue Kind" in one night. Plus the news.
October 30, 2026
