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

Today on the Internet: So What Are The “Rules” For Urban Cyclists

What does it mean to be a “good” cyclist? And should we even care?

A single tweet on Tuesday by longtime outdoors writer Peter Flax has set off a debate about what it means to be a cyclist who bikes and plays well with others. Or doesn't.

And it's the subject of today's installment of "How We Talk About Ourselves When We Think No One Else Is Listening." First, the tweet heard 'round the world:

Do we all have such "rules" in our head? And are there only two, as Flax suggested? Fortunately, the Internet was on top of it.

"3rd rule is don't be a jerk?" added @VannevarB, but that didn't satisfy Flax.

Something about "being a jerk" and pissing off others didn't make everyone in the cycling community feel completely comfortable.

Which Peter Krupa dubbed the "don't be an asshole" rule.

https://twitter.com/peterkrupa/status/1024293965149945856

But even "safety" is subjective. Flax suggested that should we "assert" ourselves in traffic, but others weren't so sure.

And then, inevitably, the entire debate got derailed by a driver who just had to toss a stink bomb into the whole thing.

Which started its own debate...

...Which gets us back where Flax started: Yield to pedestrians and do what you need to do to get home safely. Obviously, drivers don't care about us.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

OPINION: ‘Summer Streets’ Shows That Car-Free Roads Give Kids the Independence They Need

A 9-year-old shares his experience of riding on DOT’s Summer Streets by himself. 

September 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Beautiful Day Edition

The weather is going to be stupendous again, so get out there ... after reading today's news digest.

September 3, 2025

State DOT Partially Backs Off Cross Bronx Expwy. Expansion

Advocates are still concerned about a project that will widen five bridges and create a temporary roadway.

September 2, 2025

Instacart Now Claims it ‘Supports’ Worker Minimum Wage That It Fought To Defeat; Experts See ‘Corporate Spin’

After an all-out campaign against a minimum wage for its workers, Instacart now claims it "supports" the bill. But that's just "a flat-out lie," said one worker advocate.

September 2, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Jerry, We Hardly Knew Ye Edition

Finally, an honorable pol makes the choice to retire before everyone grows to hate him. Plus other news.

September 2, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Closed for Labor Day Edition

It's time for the best parade of the year. Plus the weekend's news (so far).

September 1, 2025
See all posts