Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Robert Sullivan, author of the biking etiquette piece that sparked some heated discussion in the comments earlier in the week, presents this video introducing the concept of "schluffing." He says the word is meant to evoke "a kind of sleepy riding" not to be confused with schlepping, which this technique helps to minimize. (The origin of the term, I'm told, has something to do with the Yiddish word shlofn.) Etymology aside, the video makes it pretty clear what he's getting at:

We present schluffing as an alternativeto riding a bike on the sidewalk. We present schluffing as a Third Way,a particular kind of compromise that bikers are great at, as opposed tocar drivers.

I'll have to give this schluffing thing a try. Usually if I want to put one foot on the ground I'll keep straddling the bike, but this seems like a better approach for that last block on the trip home, before I get to my front door.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Monday’s Headlines: ‘We Speak English in America’ Edition

Read that talk bubble. That's really what the cop said to a man under arrest. Plus other news from a busy weekend.

May 12, 2025

Cyclist Launches Class Action Suit For Bogus NYPD Red Light Tickets

The NYPD keeps ignoring a law that allows cyclists to pass through a red light on the "Walk" sign. Now, someone is making a federal case about it.

May 12, 2025

Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss the Death of Outdoor Dining

We asked, will you commit to expanding both Open Streets and outdoor dining in the roadway. And here's what they said...

Car Harms Monday: ‘Car Brain’ is the Demon Spawn of Car Dependency

Our policies, our budgets and our cultural narratives assume everyone can and does drive. That's car brain.

May 12, 2025

Zohran Mamdani Wants to Take a Free Bus … Straight to Gracie Mansion

So let's talk about the candidate's fare-free bus policy.

May 12, 2025
See all posts