Originally Posted by
noglider
Ferdinand, it could be a difference of where we are, how we observe, when we're out there, or whatever. Have faith. The signs are faint, but they are there. Helmet use is up. People are using headlights and taillights and reflective vests. A guy came barrelling down the bike lane while my dogs and I were walking in the pedestrian crosswalk and I had the light. I yelled at him, and he sheepishly said, "I'm stopping." He was conscious of what he SHOULD be doing, which is an improvement.
A few weeks ago, I was going up eighth avenue, and I counted EIGHT of us waiting for the light to change.
I really hope that I am wrong and you are right. But I can go only by my observations during my commute between Woodhaven and Downtown Manhattan (through Glendale, Ridgewood, Bushwick, Willamsburg, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown), and on my pleasure rides all around Manhattan and elsewere.
However, today I did have a small success. As I was going south on Pearl St., I was stopped at the light at Beekman St. A cyclist was about to pass through the light, and I called out "red light". He stopped, and we began talking.
When I mentioned to him the importance of not aiding our enemies and of not feeding into the negative stereotype, he said "I'm on board with that" -- and then he actually thanked me! I wanted to kiss him (but I somehow restrained myself). So maybe there is some hope.