Originally Posted by
FBinNY
I don't know if they've taken the signs down, but for over 50 years bicycles were supposed to keep Left on one-way NYC avenues. This remains best practice because it eliminates bicycle/bus leapfrog. It also reduces the chances of being doored since you're on the passenger side, and many cars are driver only. Keeping left also has the slight advantage of having you on the driver's side of passing cars. Most drivers are a bit more aware of their car's width on this side. OTOH, the improved width judgement can encourage drivers to pass that much closer.
My advice, unless rules prohibit it, keep left on NYC's avenues.
Thank you---I'll keep this in mind when I ride on the avenues again. I wasn't aware of this practice. In the case of the 2nd avenue, however, there is this dangerous intersection at 59th street, with cars coming down (ususally speeding) from the Queensborough Bridge on the left side, so the right side is definitely better there. Another factor: the on-going subway construction is on the left side of 2nd Avenue.