By Jefferson Siegel
On Nov. 3, the Time’s Up! Bicycle Clown Brigade celebrated New York City’s first Copenhagen-style bike lane, on Ninth Ave. between 16th and 23rd Sts., with a Bike Lane Liberation Ride.
In the new, seven-block bike lane, cyclists are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by a lane of parked cars.
“We applaud the new Department of Transportation commissioner’s commitment to improved bicycle infrastructure. Now it is up to the N.Y.P.D. to enforce the law and keep the bike lanes clear of motor vehicles,” said Judy Ross, a Time’s Up! spokesperson.
The cyclists toasted the lane with apple cider in champagne glasses while eating homemade vegan peanut-butter cupcakes with soy chocolate icing. They held a sign reading, “We the Bike Clowns proclaim the Ninth Avenue lane car-free! Long may it grow and flourish a whole bunch more.”
Their day started with a ride through the Village and Chelsea, where they “ticketed” motor vehicles parked in bike lanes in violation of New York City Traffic Law Section 4-08 (e), which prohibits parking, standing or stopping in bike lanes and mandates a $115 fine.
