~May Your Two Wheels Rest In Peace~
(But Please, Unlock Your Bikes & Throw Them Away)
Like Amsterdam, China, Portland Or., Seattle Wash., and now New York City, Bicycles are becoming the primary mode of transportation for many enthusiasts and commuters on any given day. Entrepreneurs are using Rickshaws to pedal tourists around the busy Manhattan streets, which has become a nuisance for motorists and pedestrians alike. With the increasing prices of the NYC Subway System, these commuters are flocking to the streets, some of which are not obeying the laws, i.e., riding down one way streets, not stopping at STOP signs, plus not wearing the protective headgear.
With the ever growing bike population comes the unwanted bikes that are stroon on light poles and traffic signs. These bikes then become vandalized for their parts, wheels, pedals, seats, etc...Bikes that were once popular in the 70's and 80's are not becoming their own tombstones along many city streets. They are left on the street, so they can defend for themselves or like stray dogs or cats. Several years ago, there was a small campaign in NYC, to have these as you will, stray bikes tagged with a neon orange ribbon. This indicated that the bikes were to be removed by a city agency, by any means necessary. Bikes that have been locked and left unattended have been destroyed by bending the wheels, urinated on by dogs and simply rusted to a point where no one in their right mind would ever want to save the two-wheeled machines.
Here in D.U.M.B.O., most commuters travel by bike from Manhattan, and other neighborhoods in Brooklyn, I know, because they pedal right down my block going against traffic, like they own the roads. In the image above, a bike rests in between the bike rack, it has been here for roughly two years. There is nothing left but the upper frame, handlebars and small rack above the back rim. The bike to its right has missing pedals, missing seat and no chain. These bikes are located on John st., between Bridge and Jay st.s, parallel to the Con Ed plant and the East River. The owners of these bikes probably through up their arms and gave up. So may these two bikes R.I.P.
Here we have a small armada of Mountain Bikes, all are fairly new, though the red and white bike has two flat tires, and its seat is missing. ( who puts a kickstand on a mountain bike? ) This bike rack is straddled between the B.Q.E. and York St. If the owner did ever come back, it could definitely be refurbished and given to a local charity where a young youth could learn how to ride its first bike. Please bow your heads and may this Mountain Bike, R.I.P.
By now, thousands upon thousands of NY'ers and tourists alike have rode on one of the new Citibikes. They have already estimated that the distance rode within the first week has reached the moon and back. That is simply amazing!!! On the first day of installation, while workers were storing these bikes, a brazen woman took one and rode off into the sunset. There have been many glitches in the system, but they have all been rectified. Bicycle retailers may be feeling the pinch in their sales, but it may also be a Godsend. More and more folks are riding bikes these days, to get in shape and to enjoy neighborhoods that they didn't know existed.
In this photo, on one of the hundreds of Citibike docking stations and a lone 10-speed, which has been locked up also for about a year. The back wheel and frame as you can see is bent out of shape. I am guessing the owner gave up as well, either that or lost the key to the bike lock. This bike is locked on Front st., between Gold & Hudson Ave. Let us pray and may this blue bike on two wheels R.I.P.
Next we have two cruisers, parked and locked in tandem. Both have severe rust on them, it seems these bikes have seen better days. They may have rode along the boardwalk in Coney Island, or even out on the eastern shores of Long Island, which is suitable for riding to the beaches. This pair of bikes are nestled along a tree-lined street in Vinegar Hill on Gold st., right next to the Damascus Bakery, where they make delicious Pita Bread. May these sibling bikes R.I.P.
And lastly, this Kermit the Frog looking bike. The rims are rusted, the seat has been turned backwards and also has two flat tires. Someone probably jokingly turned the seat around for their enjoyment. This little green monster can be found also on Gold st., right next to the bright yellow Buddhist Temple. Maybe it belongs to one of the monks who live their lives in solitude. This bike may have been blessed by the Dalai Lama himself during his recent visit to NYC. We will never know.
So, if you have a bike, take good care of it. Lock it up thoroughly, so it will not become another statistic or victim of the D.U.M.B.O. Bicycle Graveyard. Ride on, Brothers & Sisters, Ride On.
