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

What Sane, Responsible Bike Coverage Looks Like

Regrettably, the embed code for the opening volleys in CBS2's "bike bedlam" series is busted, so you'll have to actually visit the CBS2 site to watch the three-minute segments that ran in between Volkswagen and Hyundai spots the last two nights.

Instead I'm posting the above video courtesy of the Beeb. It shows something I don't think I've ever seen in an American newscast: A reporter evaluating bike infrastructure by riding on it (Al Roker came close to doing this back in May, though). London Mayor Boris Johnson recently launched a pair of "bicycle superhighways," and reporter Claire Heald tests one out for her viewers. Will the routes attract new riders? Do they feel safe? Can you ride without getting blocked by auto traffic? Watch and learn.

Most elements of the piece don't really differ that much from an American TV news segment. You've got your people on the street, some anecdotes, and footage of the street in action. But we're not accustomed to the perspective Claire Heald is using to present the piece. She's reporting for viewers who might be interested in trying out the new bike lanes. Crazy, right?

Over at CBS2, reporter Tony Aiello and his producers could have taken their series in some interesting directions. Like looking into how NYC's new bike lanes -- the ostensible hook for the whole week -- are affecting street safety. Or even showing New Yorkers how to ride in them.

No hint of any of that so far.

It looks like, at best, we'll be treated to a week of conventionally "balanced" journalism. Here's how that plays out. After hurling invective at cyclists for several days via promos (sample anchorperson tease: "Up next -- we investigate just how bad bicyclists make our city streets"), last night CBS2 announced that in the next segment, it's time to get the cyclists' perspective. After which, anchor Kristine Johnson weighed in reflexively: "Two sides to every story."

Actually, if the subject is "bedlam," the truth is that there aren't really two sides to this story. Injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists are down on the corridors where protected bike lanes have been installed. How can you launch a series about bike policy and biking in New York without mentioning this overarching fact?

There are nuances to the story, and one of them is the persistence of people who do stupid, inconsiderate, and sometimes risky things while riding. We know that design changes which give cyclists dedicated space can make this  less frequent, and it's safe to say that some stepped-up cycling education is also in order. But CBS2 is apparently incapable of presenting cyclist behavior with any sense of proportion.

On the same day CBS2 aired its first "bike bedlam" segment, NYCDOT released an exhaustive study of pedestrian injuries and deaths. Among the findings: bike lanes significantly reduce the risk of death for pedestrians injured by motor vehicles. Bike lanes save lives.

Also documented in the report: In the vast majority of traffic crashes that kill pedestrians -- 78.5 percent -- the driver was culpable.

CBS2 did run a segment on the study, deftly identifying the second side to the story. They ran the piece under the web headline "Drivers: NYC Streets for Everyone But Us."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Wednesday’s Headlines: Return of Summer Streets Edition

Summer Streets is back and bigger than ever. Plus more news.

July 2, 2025

How Will Mamdani Govern? His Earlier MTA Advocacy Gives Some Hints

Mamdani spent his initial years as a state assemblyman cultivating relationships in and around the MTA while crafting his vision for "fast and free buses."

July 2, 2025

Brooklyn Judge Once Again Declines to Rip Up Bedford Ave. Protected Bike Lane… For Now

Well-connected lawyer Frank Seddio argued against the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane in court on Tuesday.

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025
See all posts