Originally Posted by
JoeyBike
That is hardcore. I had no idea so many people biked into NYC from more than 20 miles away. And a great way to keep a nice base of miles for the racers too.
The bridge that closes at night is curious. The bridge is THERE, but you can't use it. We have a ferry to cross the Mississippi River to/from New Orleans/Algiers that shuts down midnight to 6AM too. No bridge is bike legal. So if you miss the last ferry, you spend the night where you are. A real shame for our service industry people who don't get off work until well after midnight. Many more would commute by bike if the ferry (or a smaller water taxi) ran 24 hours. Housing is much more affordable across the river.
Bikes are only permitted on the upper-level of the GWB, which does close overnight. The lower level is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless there's planned maintenance. But bikes are never permitted on the lower level because there's no path and also because heavy duty trucks are restricted to the lower level. It's a zoo and wouldn't be bike friendly.
As far as the fashion and bike model comments, I dare say you probably won't see too many suburban commuters who don't fit that mold. They're a much different breed than your typical cyclist. More than half probably race.