Speaking of Science: The Physical, Psychological, Social, and Environmental Benefits of Urban Cycling

Speaker: David Vassar, cyclist, cycling activist, and Ethical NYC member

David will describe his own experience as a cyclist and cycling activist in NYC over the years, beginning with the exhilarating realization that in this unique American place he could live car-free (if far from care-free) and get to so many locales in our region by bicycle. Then on to different types of bicycling infrastructure: Protected lanes, standard lanes, mixed use lanes; with descriptions and assessments of each. He’ll talk about his experiences with participating in town halls, community board meetings, leafleting and petitioning events, Citibike demo rides, 5-borough group tours, community breakfasts with council members, and other activism-related events in promotion of safer, human-friendlier streets.

Next, some of the personal benefits of cycling in the city: physical and psychological well-being; getting around the NYC region so very inexpensively; discovering new, often distant places, different communities, unsuspected urban and regional features, photographic opportunities. From there to community and global benefits: Safer, quieter streets, less pollution, more opportunities for spontaneous social interaction. And: Cycling as eco-friendly transportation par excellence.

Then to the subject of dangers and pitfalls: Motorists, motorists, and more motorists. Unfavorable street design. The Robert Moses “car is king” legacy. Wrong-way cyclists. E-bikes. The speed-loving “Velcro Club.” Also: Traffic regulations/laws as they apply to motor vehicles, bicycles, scooters. He’ll also talk about increasing NYPD Bike Patrols and why they’re so great for the officers themselves, for neighborhood and parks policing, and for PD-community relations. We’ll conclude with a comments/Q&A period.











When: Mon., May. 20, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: New York Society for Ethical Culture
2 W. 64th St.
212-874-5210
Price: Free
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Speaker: David Vassar, cyclist, cycling activist, and Ethical NYC member

David will describe his own experience as a cyclist and cycling activist in NYC over the years, beginning with the exhilarating realization that in this unique American place he could live car-free (if far from care-free) and get to so many locales in our region by bicycle. Then on to different types of bicycling infrastructure: Protected lanes, standard lanes, mixed use lanes; with descriptions and assessments of each. He’ll talk about his experiences with participating in town halls, community board meetings, leafleting and petitioning events, Citibike demo rides, 5-borough group tours, community breakfasts with council members, and other activism-related events in promotion of safer, human-friendlier streets.

Next, some of the personal benefits of cycling in the city: physical and psychological well-being; getting around the NYC region so very inexpensively; discovering new, often distant places, different communities, unsuspected urban and regional features, photographic opportunities. From there to community and global benefits: Safer, quieter streets, less pollution, more opportunities for spontaneous social interaction. And: Cycling as eco-friendly transportation par excellence.

Then to the subject of dangers and pitfalls: Motorists, motorists, and more motorists. Unfavorable street design. The Robert Moses “car is king” legacy. Wrong-way cyclists. E-bikes. The speed-loving “Velcro Club.” Also: Traffic regulations/laws as they apply to motor vehicles, bicycles, scooters. He’ll also talk about increasing NYPD Bike Patrols and why they’re so great for the officers themselves, for neighborhood and parks policing, and for PD-community relations. We’ll conclude with a comments/Q&A period.

Buy tickets/get more info now