Bicycle Messengers and 9/11

I was a hotshot NYC bicycle messenger back in the 80's and managed to make a career out of it for the past 30 years. After years on the road I started my own company and have been working it from the inside out. With 75 riders on the streets of New York , I got the City's news on the spot as it happened or within minutes! It was like having my own team of newspaper reporters!  This story comes from my long time friend and great cyclist 

John Harris.

We've been working together since the 80's

 Born To Run Couriers

That's me in the middle and

 John Harris 

white pants and striped shirt way back in 1982?

Great stories - and now I can share them via my blog  
Urban Mobility Project.

An especially poignant one from September 11th, 2001:

            My life on a bike

            I remember that I could ride a bike by the time I was six years old and I haven’t stopped riding since.  I think I can say that I have probably spent years of my life sitting on bicycles.  I define myself as an urban nomad, kind of a Bedouin from Brooklyn.  I don’t expect anything to stop me from riding my bike except incapacity or death, but as long as I am breathing, I will ride bikes.

            I have worked as a bicycle messenger on and off over the years and one of the pivotal events of my life, as it was for all New Yorkers, was the tragedy of 9/11.  Along with many of my messenger friends, we volunteered at the trade center staging area over on 23^rd street and the Hudson river to pack up clothes and supplies for delivery down to the workers engaged in the rescue and recovery.   Dan Jarquio and John Yacobellis, two of my biking friends had somehow managed to elude military and police checkpoints and gotten down to the recovery site to lend a hand.  On September 13^th Jerry Faust, Sylvester Schneider (the owner of Zum Schneider bar), Jeff Smith and I decided to make a go of trying to get down to the trade center and participate in the recovery.  We rode down avenue C and then took the route along East River Park which was one of the few spots where there were no police or military check points.  The going was rather dark, especially when we were riding near the Fulton Fish Market and right near the South Street Seaport all the lights were off.  It was so dark that Jerry and I hit a curb and I managed to not land on my head but ended up breaking my left shoulder.  I ended up at Beekman downtown hospital where there were many fireman and cops being treated for injuries sustained while working at the site.  I remember one police officer’s Dante-esque description of the treacherous debris and how it kept shifting around and how they would discover body parts in the debris.

            Since then I ride up the Hudson bike path as often as I can and am grateful for this little piece of real estate.  Since I live all the way out in Mill Basin in Brooklyn I am afforded the chance, at least in the warmer months, to ride back to the Basin through Prospect Park, always a delight.  I am hoping to take my bike with me out to Montana and other points west this next summer on a kind of photographic Safari.

John Harris  

 John Harris Today

2010  

           

Sun-bathe -The Great White North Hudson River Bikeway NYC

 

View from Top of my head!

http://astore.amazon.com/urbamobiproj-20

Glad they didn't PLOW!

No MeDia at all

Calm

Women travels to workplace using her own Leggs!

Happy Hour

A cyclists answer to NYC GRIDLOCK! 

Women travels to workplace using her own Leggs!

Arrives in good spirits?

 

I ran into one of my favorite BPC personality's today!

She's my good friend Ellen. I ran into her riding  home from the office .We stopped and chatted for about 5 minutes. And off we went in opposite directions.Then I realized I wanted to get photos of her for the UMP Blog so I chased her down on the bike way.

Ellen is the Driving Force behind all the fabulous recreational events we have all Spring, Summer and Fall in Battery Park City and had nothing to do with removing Bicycle Racks!

She's out there at running around coordinating everything from fishing programs with the kids to Harmony on the Hudson to the drum circle(our favorite) in Wagner park to the great music and dance performances on the promenade.

She also tends a beautiful garden right behind Stuyvesant H.S.

If you come by she'll let you spray water it!

She knows every kid, dog and plant  in BPC!

I'm sure you see her all the time.Now that you know who she is, don't worry about waving to her!

 

I might have harassed her so much that she started riding just to shut me up.

I think she's laughing with me?

Thanks for all the great work you do with the kids!

(((Yes,my funny shaped bicycle slides through wind)))

Stay Warm & Safe

It's a great ride!

Toga - Happy Hour ............Hudson River Bikeway,

Amazing grace a true cyclist so SMOOTH. Great looking TOGA racing gear and a beautiful Colnogo Road Bike!
Just out for a spin on his way home from work to Staten Island.Cycling after work is real freedom that most other types of commuters just don't know about.

Here's FRANK

Yea,he's pushing 60 and as you can see he's Cycling has kept him in amazing condition.Since you were so intrigued by my bike here's a link that will show how fast Recumbents are!

There he goes.....

 Speed Records Click Here
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/03/bikerecord_0330

Great to meet you!
Urban Mobility Project

Good Pace ! The Hudson River Bikeway -NYC

Happy Hour

Cycling's answer to NYC Gridlock!

Brooklyn Gina!

Hope you find this blog....

This morning I saw what looked like a Fixie Couple from Brooklyn, 

plowin up the Bikeway,YO!

She was right on his wheel, Cool Fixies?, Cool gear and Bags.

As I rode up to them I asked, Are you together? (I know sounds more like something you ask in a club.)

 No.........He was just doing a good pace! So I told her all about what I was doing.She was good enough to

"S l o w" .... it down and give me her spin.

Turns out she worked at Martha Stuart also and now has a new job as a designer at another company (forgot the name ,Sorry) in the fashion world.

Gina started bike commuting two years ago an loves it. I think she rides from Bayridge?

If you want to clarify all this just send me an EM! .

shelly.urmo1@gmail.com

I bet she rides about 8 ? miles each Way. Sounds like a good ride!

Oh yea ....Bike New York ,Since you asked

I've done it many times.Its lots of fun.The start is jam packed and there are lots of little mishaps at the beginning.The ride gets held up in several places and at times can be a real pain. Especially getting home from Staten Island

But I highly recommend doing it. Its an Amazing way to see the city as long as you don't mind the other 30,000 cyclists!

There she goes Give her a WAVE!

...Thanks for chatting

NICE BIKE!

Some Others on my way Home

Going to a Gig?

Above

Just a happy Rider!

Its Not That Hard to Do,,,,,At Least in Australia?

Bicycling: Good for You and the Environment

Promoting bicycling among citizens has saved Australian public health services millions

A new report, has after analysing the data, come up with a figure for the public health benefit offered by cycling. The study, Cycling: Getting Australia Moving, funded by the Australian government and prepared by Melbourne University and the Cycling Promotion Fund concluded that thanks to the increased health of cyclists, public health services are spared an estimated $227.2m AUD annually.

They also noted that per 100,000 participants, an individual is seven times more likely to be hospitalised playing football than riding a bicycle. And observed that “the more cyclists there are, the safer it becomes. In fact, if cycling doubles, the risk per kilometre falls by 34%.” The report’s authors were pleased to find that between 2001 and 2006 bicycle journeys to work had risen 22% in Australian capital cities, with Melbourne being the standout, recording over a 42% increase.

With the cost of gas off the charts, maybe Americans should start bicycling more.

Personal Portable Gym - Hudson River Bikeway NYC

HAPPY HOUR

A cyclists answer to NYC Gridlock!

As I was sitting at the Red light at 34th Street and the Hudson River Bikeway, I noticed I was  being stared down by a passing cyclist. He U turned and came over to introduce himself since he see's me everyday. He asked about that funny looking bike I ride ,of course! Well I was ready with camera in hand.
He also let me know he had a story ....


Kinda funny cause I had been interviewing cyclists and introducing myself to other riders.I guess after all these years everyone is very curious.


Neon Green Vest.... Red folding Dahon....Really Hard to miss !

Give him a WAVE.......here comes

Schmitty

Hi Schmitty,
Great to meet you..
I have a photo already so I can post as soon as I hear from you.
Hope you liked the blog.

   Yes, some interesting and fun stuff on your blog.

Whats your occupation?

I am a computer programmer.

When did you become a Bicycle commuter?

It started last Spring [2009] during "Bike to Work Week". I had been contemplating it for a few years. So glad I went for it.

Where are you going when I see you out there everyday?
(my neighbors always thought I was just going bike riding,

Kinda funny!)

When I see you in the mornings I am on my way to work. I ride from Penn Station to right next to Ground Zero.

How far do you ride?

In the morning I ride 8 miles. If I went straight to the office when my train gets to Penn I would get there early. The bike is my personal portable gym so when I get to the bike path in Hudson River Park, before I go South, I go North to 74th Street. Then I turn around and head to the office downtown.
In the evening I need to go straight to Penn when I get off work to catch my train so that ride is 5 miles.
This gives me a total of 13 miles per day.

Why ride instead of using our comfy mass transit system?

The reasons are many. Primarily it's the fitness I have regained.
Then there's the $aving$ from not buying a monthly Metro Card.
Being outside and seeing a world that changes every day [morning sun, sunsets, sky, clouds, river, weather, flora, fauna] instead of the same old subway car interior. 

 I just love to ride.

The E train platform at Chambers Street is one of the smelliest platforms I have ever endured. Being there twice a day is something I don't miss at all.

Why are you so determined to ride in extreme conditions?

I learned from my SCUBA instructor Di that "As long as you have air, everything else is merely an inconvenience." The way I see it. As long as I have the proper clothing on I can ride through any weather except maybe the extremely slippery conditions of ice or snow.

Do you see the same people everyday also?

There are a number of people I see a lot. You among them. It's why I stopped and introduced myself when I saw you waiting for the light. It's difficult to make many connections that go beyond a smile or a wave because most of the recognizable regulars are always going in the opposite direction. The ones I see on the bitterest of cold days or rainy days stand out because there's like No One else out there.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

I've been on and off the bike all my life. As a kid I practically lived on my bike. When I got a license to drive I stopped riding for some years. When I started working as a programmer and sitting in front of a screen all day I put on weight and began having back problems. That's when I got back into it big time, doing century rides and training with local racers. [The Triangle Ride] In 1991 I literally lived on a bike for 4 months. 

I started in Vancouver, BC hoping to reach San Diego, CA. I made it to San Diego and was enjoying it so much I continued on to Daytona Beach, FL and finally Key West, FL. When my son was born in 1998 riding stopped again. Since then there were periods of riding and not riding because it is hard for me to find or make the time with work and family responsibilities. Commuting is the PERFECT solution. I get enough riding in so that my pants fit and I feel SO much better all around, mentally as well as physically.

Red Dahon

Wow Cycling Royalty

Urban Mobility Project

Ride your Bike

Charles and Son - Hudson River Bikeway

After I wrote my letter of protest in reference to removing our bike racks in Battery Park City an old friend and his organization Transportation Alternatives came to the rescue!  Since I had his attention I thought it would be a good idea to post a little interview with him, he agreed!
So I ran out at 9am on Saturday morning to get some shots of  Charles and Son cycling to Pier 40.


Are you one of the Founders of Transportation Alternatives?

I wasn't a founder of TA at all. But toward
the end of my presidency, 1986-1992, people
started dubbing me the "re-founder" (since
I had brought the organization back from
the depths, to a place of dynamism and
success). I like that term, re-founder.

Charles and son riding to Pier 40

How long have you been cycling?

Since April 1973, when I learned to ride,
at age 25, in Central Park.

Do you go on family cycling rides?

I wish! Our recreational styles are different.
And my kids (15 and almost-12) are spooked by
NYC traffic. I'm working on it. A few times

a year my younger son and I borrow a friend's
tandem and ride to the GWB or into Brooklyn.

For years, both my wife and I carried the kids
on our bikes -- sometimes, both boys on one bike.
First in detachable rear kiddie seats, later on
those excellent top-tube seats with the fold-out
foot pegs on the down tube. Over the years I
logged over a thousand miles on the bike with
each kid, just getting around.  

Whats so good about riding in NYC?

Practically everything. The ability to go
anywhere and everywhere fast, efficiently and
at my own pace. Soaking up the energy in the
streets. The ability to "transcend time, traffic
and the regulated ordinariness of city life," as
I wrote in an op-ed in the Times 20 years ago.
The whole package.  

Do you commute by bicycle?

Every day, no exceptions. I have good RAINGEAR!
(I keep spares in my office) and work in a
bike-friendly building. Up to 6 inches of snow,
nothing stops me. 

Whats your favorite way to get around NYC?

If you mean what "mode," then bike, of course.
Sometimes if I'm with one or both boys and
biking isn't practical, we take the train.
I haven't taken a solo cab ride in at least
a decade.  

How many bikes do you have?

Three -- my mountain bike with the top-tube
seat (I still ride Alexander occasionally) for
getting around; a Cannondale road bike for fun
long rides; and a beater bike for Critical Mass.
Plus the bike trailer I used to haul the kids in.
I now use it for freight. I've moved heavy boxes,
glass shelves, musical instruments, and, last
year, a 110-pound 27-inch TV a friend in Harlem
gave us. It was a blast, hauling it through
Central Park and down the Greenway to Tribeca.  

Anything you'd like to add?

I love cycling -- here or anywhere -- as much as
ever. My kaleidoscope of reasons seem to be shifting,
though. While I still relish the enviro benefits, they
no longer rank in my Top Three reasons to bike: those
are (3) save time, (2) physical activity, and (1) riding
just feels terrific!

Happy arrival at Pier 40 NYC 

As you can see by this photo It defiantly feels Terrific!

The Best Reason of All

If any of you have any cycling issues in NYC or need any information about cycling you can contact 

Transportation Alternatives

http://www.transalt.org/

Urban Mobility Project 

Shelly.urmo1@gmail.com

 

Hit By Lightning

Happy Hour
Cycling's answer to NYC Gridlock!


One in a MILLION!
I think this is Serge a 5 BBC rider on the Hudson River Bikeway this morning.The Bike is a Lightning Thunderbolt Recumbent!

                              

                                     Boy, does he look COMFY!

 

Very rare to see another recumbent
If I have the name wrong just send me an email
shelly.urmo1@gmail.com

Frozone.. Hudson River Bikeway

Still really freezing. The wind has died down so it feels like Spring!
Here's the sunset as I rode into Battery Park City.Well at least the days are getting longer...Statue of Liberty in far left.

A tourist from The Netherlands. He had a bicycle with him and just came back from a ride over the Brooklyn Bridge.....He was very amused with my Recumbent!

Inside!

West Side Winter Bikeway Commuter

Happy Hour on the Bikeway!
Best commute in NYC, Battery Park City to west 31st street.


My Neighbor Howie....

Stephanie meet a fellow West side Bikeway Bicycle Commuter.
Howie you can scroll down and meet Stephanie!

On his way to work at west 31st Street.

Has a bike for every occasion.

Rides everyday no matter what the weather brings.

The thought of using the NYC Subway makes him want to HURL!

Wonders how NYC subway riders put up with it,and you have to pay for it TOO?

Lusts after a Quest Velomobile!

Give him a wave.... 

There he goes....

Hardcore

Got better with the PHONE CAM
Here I am just getting to my office on west 36th street.

I guess I forgot to clean the snow off !

Winter Spin / West Side Bikeway /Bicycle Commuter NYC

 Happy Hour on the West Side Bikeway!

  Here's my first introduction. A very content cyclist named Stephanie. She was in a rather  normal looking outfit on her way to work .She even rode in a Skirt, thats dedication!

I pulled up to her on my magic carpet.

Bicycle Commuter NYC!

I asked what makes you ride even in extreme winter temps? Well its just better than freezing on my walk to the subway downtown  and  freezing again walking all the way to my office right on west street!

Where you coming from?
I from Battery Park city everyday!
On her way to her job at Martha Stewart. Everyone one at work thinks she's out of her mind! If only they knew what a pleasure the bikeway is compared to the NYC Subway, YUK!
I hope Martha appreciates your amazing efforts! Don't forget your entitled to $20 cash a month from your employer for bicycle commuting!

If you see Stephanie make sure and give a Wave! I guess you'll know its her by the helmet,backpack and wool mittens!

Great to meet you .I hope you find this blogspot.
If you do feel free to leave a message or email
shelly.urmo1@gmail.com

Was fun chating!
My goal is to create a community of  bicycle commuters that are more than just cyclists passing each other everyday on the bikeway!

Sorry the photos are so crappy but I was riding .Ill have to practice riding and taking photos.

Hardcore

 Focus

  Drive


I also met Matt on his way to work.
Riding for ten years on the same bike .Rebuilt 2 times! My bike is an Easyracer Goldrush !
He really wanted to know.....next time Ill get a photo and real interview!

Special Cyclist Recumbent Trike and Burley Nomad!

Not a lot happening in the New York City besides riding back and forth to work on the bikeway.

Winter has really set in. There are some bicycle commuters that I see everyday,no matter how cold or how windy!

We give each other that little nod of acknowledgement and smile as we pass in the freezing cold and high winds. I can't help but wonder,

Do they wonder who I am? 

Do they wonder about each other?

I wonder if they'd be interested in finding out about each other?

I think I should try to find out!

Wonder what keeps them going?

Really liked this story so I passed it on to you.....

Hemet man bikes to help self, others

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

By DIANE A. RHODES

Special to The Press-Enterprise

After he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in November 1995, Jim Wetherell plunged into a deep depression that no therapist or medication could combat.

While the diagnosis was not a death sentence, it was an end of life as Wetherell knew it. He had to give up his job as a tour bus driver. His relationship with his wife fell apart. So he moved from San Francisco to Hemet.

To help with the anxiety caused from the disease, he started riding a recumbent two-wheeled bicycle. He soon switched to a three-wheeled version.

"I thought I could deal with some of the stress by pedaling it away," said Wetherell, 66. After a while, one of his biking buddies asked him where his tremor went. That is when he realized that cycling had more benefits that he knew.

In 2001 he started a Web site to offer information, support and inspiration to patients and caregivers: www.inevergiveup.org.

"I wanted a name people would remember," he said about choosing the nickname "Parky" as he set out to "take the park out of Parkinson's."

Story continues below

Diane A. Rhodes / Special to The Press-Enterprise

Jim Wetherell took the nickname "Parky" in his fight against Parkinson's disease. One of the ways he deals with stress is riding his recumbent tricycle, maintaining a regimen of 20 miles a day. In May, he hit the 50,000-mile mark.

Click This for the rest of the STORY!