Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

Eyes on the Street: 28th Precinct Loves the St. Nicholas Ave Bike Lane

3:20 PM EDT on September 8, 2010

caption.

If you get around on a bicycle in Upper Manhattan, the St. Nicholas Avenue bike lanes are essential. They're the only on-street lanes in the borough between 120th Street and 160th Street. Many cyclists don't even bother with the lanes, though, because they're routinely filled with parked cars.

Normally one might ask the NYPD to enforce the rules of the road on St. Nicholas, but at least in the 28th Precinct, such a request seems futile. At precinct HQ between 122nd and 123rd, a line of police vehicles stick their noses out into the bike lane day after day, completely obstructing it. Pedestrians aren't spared; some cars are parked halfway or entirely on the sidewalk. And these aren't just squad cars positioned for a speedy exit in case of emergency. Many of the cars appear to be personal vehicles bearing police union bumper stickers or other markers that the owner carries some official authority.

The New Jersey plate on this car suggests it's an officer's personal vehicle. Photo: Noah Kazis.
When a police car parallel parks in the bike lane, it's no surprise that on the next block, a line of cars feels safe to do the same. Photo: Noah Kazis.
One of many cars parked on the sidewalk, this one blocks the crosswalk. Photo: Noah Kazis.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’

"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."

September 29, 2023

City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct

Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.

September 28, 2023
See all posts