Vernon's Law--A Modest Proposal

by John J. Cox
A Resident of Woodside


"So I wanted to make a right turn from the avenue onto a side street," says my friend, Diane, "when I noticed that to do so I have to cross over one of those painted bicycle lanes. What if a bicyclist just happened to be in my blind spot as I made the turn?"

Good question. As cycling becomes more popular the City has tried to accommodate the increasing number of bike riders by dedicating portions of some streets and avenues to bicycle lanes. Given the instability of gasoline prices, the rising costs of insurance and car prices, and the growth of environmental awareness, it is hardly surprising that many people have opted for the bicycle as their principal means of commuting. This trend has caused some controversy in a number of communities, where existing traffic congestion is said to have been exacerbated by the bicycle lanes, which reduce the width of the streets and avenues. And although the City and State insist that cyclists are bound by the same rules of the road applicable to motor vehicles, some confusion persists. In Diane's case New York law requires that a right turn be made from as close to the curb as practicable. But what if there is a bicycle lane between the car and the curb? Since New York law also requires cyclists to travel in the same direction of traffic, it is only a matter of time before the inevitable occurs.

So I did with this problem what I always do when similarly perplexed: I sought trusted counsel. A full grasp of the dimensions of the issue required a wide range of experience, wisdom, thought and opinion. And where else could I find such diverse attributes than in the Shillelagh Tavern. So I took the issue there. Paddy Collins, a retired cab driver, was sipping a bourbon. "If you ask me," he said, "the problem would be greatly relieved if you simply banned bicycles altogether. They're nothing but a flippin' nuisance."

Doc Milano, so named because he is an EMT, chimed in: "Not only are they a nuisance, but a hazard, too. You have no idea how many cyclists I've had to scrape off the pavement after being struck by cars--and how many silly seniors, trying to recapture their youth, drop dead from heart attacks after a few minutes of cycling."

Tony the Greek ordered another beer and entered the discussion. "Let's face it, you're never gonna get rid of bicycles. I've got grandchildren. Bicycles are what I buy them for Christmas."

"Tony's got a point." I turned to see John Whitney look up from his Wall Street Journal. "Think of what would happen if bicycling were banned," he said. "Think of all the people who make and repair bicycles. They'd be put out of work. The economy is bad enough already."

Eighty-seven year old Marty Flanagan was sitting nearby nursing a scotch. "Marty," I said, "what do you think about the bicycles?" He turned to me with a vacant look, grunted and returned to his drink.

That left my friend Vernon Jackson who had been politely listening from the other end of the bar. "It seems to me," he started, "that a compromise is in order." He took a swig of beer and continued: "On the one hand we simply can't ban cycling altogether; on the other hand something has to be done to make it safer."

"What do you have in mind?" I asked.

"I've researched this issue, and the number one cause of bicycle accidents involving cars is 'dooring.'"

"Dooring? What's that?"

"When a driver or car passenger suddenly opens a car door into the path of an approaching cyclist, that's 'dooring.'" My first job out of school was as a messenger in Manhattan. My bicycle was my livelihood. I know all about 'dooring' and I've got the scars to prove it." Vernon sipped his beer and continued.

"It has always been a source of wonder to me that the law requires cyclists to travel in the same direction as traffic. It should be the opposite. There is nothing more unnerving as a cyclist than being forced to travel in the same direction as cars. You can't see what's happening behind you, no chance to ditch if someone loses control of a car or swerves too close. If you were required to travel in the opposite direction, you could see what's happening in front of you, just as the drivers coming toward you could see what's happening in front of them. And there'd be no more 'dooring' because the person about to open a car door would be able to see you coming."

I had to scratch my head. "That's a great idea, Vernon. We should lobby Albany for a change in the law. We can even call it 'Vernon's Law.'"

"I like the sound of that," said Vernon.

"Me, too," said Paddy Collins. "It would make cyclists less of a nuisance."

"Fewer injuries, too," added Doc Milano.

"I can still buy my grandchildren bicycles," said Tony the Greek.

"And the economy won't be further damaged," observed John Whitney.

We all turned toward Marty Flanagan. He just shook his head and asked for another scotch.