Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - taxicab concussions

so i was biking through times square today on my way down to the LES to chill out when a cab comes across two lanes, into the bike lane, and hits me...i was on my persuit so the side of his cab caught my tt bars, turned my front wheel, forced me over his hood, then i went sliding for about 10 feet

luckily i was pretty ok...some road rash, a few bruises, a few tender ribs, and some soreness...my bike was still in decent shape too...my handle bars and seat were both knocked loose, my cycle computer face was smashed (it still works), and the paint was scratched...but it was nothing an allen wrench wasnt able to fix on the spot

this isnt really meant to be yet another "i got hit" post though...really i want to send a few shout outs

1. to the people who were hailing the cab who actually stayed instead of hailing another cab, and even made sure i was ok (even after what im sure was a frightening sight of an enraged me giving the cabbie a sever tongue lashing)
2. the many bystanders who made sure the cabbie stayed on scene, called 911 so i could file a report and get medical attention (which i didnt need, but the fact they called was nice)
3. the two guys in particular who took pictures of the cab and of my bike, made sure to talk to the cops explaining that the cab was definately in thw wrong...and gave me their contact info to get the pictures and in case they needed to testify in court or anything like that
4. all of the many bikers who passed by, stopped, made sure i was ok, asked if i needed anything, asked if they could call anyone, and made sure that i had a lock for my bike and a safe place to put my stuff if i ended up needing to go the hospital...you all really made me feel a part of a community
5. even a shout to the cops who handled the whole thing great (it might have helped that i work for fdny and have my id and badge with me at all times)...but they told the cabbie it was 100% his fault, cited him, wrote me an accident report, and were generaly just the most pleasant cops i have dealt with...not to mention that they confirmed with me that bicycles are considered vehicles on the road, and as such are given the same rights (such as a full traffic lane) as other vehicles...they did tell me however that this means that bicycles were also therefore bound by the same traffic laws (lights,stop signs, etc...they also gave me a heads up that they have been told to crack down on bikers breaking these laws...especially in midtown...just a heads up to all the messengers

i will refrain from my "wear a helmet" rants since that horse continues to be beaten, even in its grave

anywya...thats it...everyone stay safe

glad you're alright.

be careful out there folks!

F*ck Rob, I'm glad your ok. Goddamned cabbies are ridiculous. If you need anything I'll be around again sunday night. Feel better.

hey rob, let's chill soon. i'm dyin' for lack of seeing you and other storm folk... we'll be in touch; i'm ****ing glad you're okay.

Rob, glad you're okay. I always get a cold chill when I see people waving for cabs on the sidewalk in front of me.

good story. glad you're ok, and that your computer still works :P

Nice. That's not the New York City you read about in the papers. Glad it turned out so positive.

Also, the title of your thread would make an excellent album title.

those sound like cool cops. i wonder if they ride as well?

glad you're okay and cabbie is getting his. cabbies suck--they disrespect everything from bikes to ambulances.

glad to hear you are ok. those cops seem basically the same as the cops i dealt with tuesday night after a hit and run (and catch) involving a cab, but they tried to tell me bikes weren't vehicles. i didn't feel like arguing though.

glad to hear that you are A ok.

nice, I'm feeling a little better about NY from these past two posts. next time a cop tells you that bikes aren't vehicles ask them if they know the definition of vehicle.

ve·hi·cle ** (*P*)**Pronunciation Key**(v-kl)
n.

1.
a. A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance: a space vehicle.
b. A self-propelled conveyance that runs on tires; a motor vehicle.

2. A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished: His novels are a vehicle for his political views.
3. The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in “Life's but a walking shadow” (Shakespeare).
4. A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.
5. A substance of no therapeutic value used to convey an active medicine for administration.
6. A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.

I'd say my bike without a doubt fits definition #5.

(it might have helped that i work for fdny and have my id and badge with me at all times)

no way.... lol. i bet they would treat a crusty punk the same!

thanks for the wellwishes everyone

matt...we need to have a STORM get together...involving food, hanging out, and maybe getting work done if we feel like it...hopefully before lizxnn and i go do the training in dc?...let me know over the storm list

konageezer...i ripped the thread title from taxicab confessions...figured it was appropriate for bikes

sanford w/o son...dont i know it...i both ride everywhere and drive an ambulance...they dont think twice about pulling in front of a biker, and the still dont think twice about pulling cutting me off and stopping blocking my path in an ambulance, even when my lights and sirens are on...thats when i just lean on the airhorn until they finally get the point

deadly downtube...its funny...they thought i was a crusty punk messenger when they first pulled up...suprisingly they treated me much the same before and after learning i worked for fdny

According the NY bike laws, you can't take a whole lane. I've heard something about how in MA if there are 3 or more lanes, you can take 1 of them...but I haven't found the law to back that up. Trevor will know I'm sure. Anyways, here's the quotation I found at http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcode.pl?frame=right2&code=NY&ls=claws&law=127&art=57


(a) Upon all roadways, any bicycle
or in-line skate shall be driven either on a usable bicycle or in-line
skate lane or, if a usable bicycle or in-line skate lane has not been
provided, near the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or upon a
usable right-hand shoulder in such a manner as to prevent undue inter-
ference with the flow of traffic except when preparing for a left turn
or when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions that would make it
unsafe to continue along near the right-hand curb or edge. Conditions to
be taken into consideration include, but are not limited to, fixed or
moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, in-line skates, pedestrians,
animals, surface hazards or traffic lanes too narrow for a bicycle or
person on in-line skates and a vehicle to travel safely side-by-side
within the lane.

NY laws, don't apply in NYC. This was proven in court around 6 months ago. It was also stated in court that there is no law in NYC that says that riders can't ride more than 2 abreast.

There is a pdf link on this webpage that might help with more info:
http://www.times-up.org/legal_newswire.php

Mass law allows you to take any and every part of any lane as necessary. You are operating a vehicle and it ends there.

As a general rule, we actually have among the most sensible bike laws in the nation. It's just that the police don't know them or don't care.