Based on an analysis of photographs of the 1980 transit strike, the bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group, Transportation Alternatives estimates that daily cycling levels in NYC will quadruple to 400,000 bicyclists.

East River Bridge and Avenue Bike / Ped Lanes to Handle Throngs
Reportedly, the Police Department will set aside two additional lanes on each of the East River bridges, and one additional lane on major avenues south of 60th Street for cyclists and pedestrians.

Plea for Emergency Bike Parking in Commercial Buildings and Guarded Parking
To accommodate the tremendous number of cyclists in the central business district, Transportation Alternatives is calling on building owners and managers to do two things:
1. Allow bicycles on freight elevators and in workplaces if so requested by employers.

2. Create guarded outdoor bicycle parking area or corrals to ensure security.

10 Common Sense Tips for New Bike Commuters

A transit strike will create unusual conditions and stresses for everyone in New York City. Following are some specific tips for folks who usually do not bicycle to work. But first, two general suggestions: be patient and use your head instead of your hormones. Riding a bicycle in the city is fun and safe if you pay attention.

Rules of the road

1. Bicycles are vehicles and must obey traffic laws. Ride with traffic - not against it. Obey red lights and other traffic rules.

2. Always yield to pedestrians and stay off of sidewalks. Pedestrians always have the right of way, so be respectful of their vulnerability. It is illegal to ride on the sidewalk. So don't.

3. Avoid car doors - stay at least four feet from the nearest parked car. Getting "doored" is the number one cause of bicycle crashes in NYC.

Your Bike

4. Check the brakes. Make sure they work or get them tightened. If they don't work, DO NOT USE THE BIKE.

5. Pump up your tires (inner tube) to the recommended pressure or until they feel very hard. This is the best way to avoid flats. You can use pumps at most gas stations and all bike shops.

6. Raise the seat so that your knee is slightly flexed when the pedal is at its lowest point.

7. Use front and rear lights during darkness. Flashing safety lights, red for rear, white for front are available at bike shops and many hardware stores for $6-$10. They could save your life.

8. Lock your bike. Your best bet is parking inside your building. Ask your boss if you can bring your bike inside or get secure parking created. If you park outside, use a heavy duty chain and padlock or Kryptonite NYC U-lock. Lock through the back wheel and the part of the frame supporting it to a secure object like a parking meter or sign post. Or, use two locks and lock the frame to a post, and the backwheel to the frame and take the front wheel with you. If you can, take the seat and front wheel with you, or chain the seat down.

You

9. Wear a helmet. Adjust the straps so that the helmet is snug and does not slide.

10. Dress Smart. Wear light colored clothing for safety. For the cold weather, wear gloves, but don't overdress. You should feel a little cold at the start, but you'll warm up. Consider wearing a winter hat or bandanna under your helmet until you warm-up.