Last Updated on November 30, 2014 by Lawrence Berezin
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.
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…
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?
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.
Free Download:
Excellent Brochure, “Learn the Lanes” published by NYC. Simply click on the pretty button below (no email address necessary).
Excellent info, Larry.
Thank you for keeping us up-to-date and alive!!
Dear Alok,
Your support and kindness are most appreciated. Thank you very much, Alok. Best, Larry
Hi Larry, if you parked and your wheel was on the white line (in a bike lane) but not over, can you be given a ticket for $115?
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?
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,
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?