This is a diagram of bike lanes and bus lanes which is the subject of this blog post
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Are you making these 5 common NYC Bike Lanes and Bus Lanes Mistakes?

This is a diagram of bike lanes and bus lanes which is the subject of this blog post

A NYC street has become a maze of bike lanes, bus lanes, and travel lanes

Bike lanes and bus lanes are permanent fixtures on the roadways of New York City, and the Evil Empire has put them to work to raise money for our fair city. Parking rules and operating rules differ between bus lanes and bike lanes. For example, you cannot enter a bike lane to stop temporarily and drop off your Aunt Tilly. However, you can enter a bus lane to quickly drop off a passenger.

Here are some common mistakes we all make trying to navigate these lanes.

You don’t execute the first right hand turn after entering a bus lane

You are required to make the first right hand turn after entering a bus lane. If you continue through the first intersection you come upon, it’s a one way ticket to

You stand or park in a bus lane during hours of operation

This bad behavior will cost you a NYC parking ticket ranging from $115 to $150. Remember, bus lanes are enforced by increased police surveillance and bus lane cameras. Darth Vader is watching.

You don’t know the difference between “curbside” and “floating” bus lanes

A picture is worth…Well, you know.

This image demonstrates the difference between the two type of bus lanes in NYC

 

Standing or parking at the curb are not allowed during hours of operation in a curbside bus lane.

You don’t know the purpose of a “mixing” zone in a bike lane

The picture thing again…

This image is a diagram and picture of a mixing zone in a bike lane

 

A “mixing” zone is a designated area between a normal travel lane and bike lane where you are permitted to make a turn across a bike lane.

You don’t know the purpose of a “floating” lane in a bike lane

Guess what’s coming?

These two images show "Floaing" bike lanes

A “floating” bike lane separates moving cars from bicyclists. These lanes are to be used for parking your chariot.

Do you learn better by watching?

Commentary

All stakeholders in the streets of NYC must learn how to live together, safely.

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8 Comments

Lawrence Berezin

Hi, Sarah,
Good afternoon.
Sorry for the delay!

Yes.
If your wheel is on the line, then your bumper extends into the bike lane.
No part of your chariot should extend into a bike lane.

Regards,
Larry

Parking meter signs allows for parking in the hours specified between 10-4p with the arrows including the area of Bus lane curb side. However Bus lane sign said hours of operation is 7am-7pm. Which rule takes precedence? Bus lane sign or parking meter sign?

Lawrence Berezin

Hi Tony,

Good afternoon.
Great question.

Parking meter signs display the days/hours a driver must pay for parking. However, outside these times, parking is free. For example, a common parking meter sign may allow two-hour paid parking between 9A-7P Except for Sundays.

On the other hand, a bus lane sign designates the hours a bus lane is open for buses only. For example, a common bus lane sign may read 7A-7P, Mon-Fri, Buses Only.

Meanwhile, the Evil Empire states,

Where there are two signs posted affecting the same area, but with conflicting restrictions, follow the less restrictive sign. Report the conflicting signs by calling 311

Since No is more restrictive than Yes, it would appear that the parking meter sign (less restrictive) should take precedence over the bus lane sign (more restrictive). However, when you drive through the looking glass of NYC Parking Ticket Land and you park in a bus lane during its hours of operation, you will absolutely get a ticket. In addition, you’ll probably lose your original fight and appeal.

What do you think, Tony?

If while driving by bus lane, you accidentally touch the line with one wheel and they photograph you, are you still at fault even though you never actually drove in the bus lane? Or is that a technically you can dispute?