21 Thoughts You Have The First Time You Ride A Bike In New York City

A bike is more efficient and less expensive than a car, and it’s usually faster than waiting for the subway, but riding a bike in NYC can be intimidating. Here are all the thoughts that go through your head the first time you try it:

1. Is this helmet enough protection?

2. I might have to go back and buy some elbow pads.

4. This city could really use more bike lanes.

5. How do I signal “right” again?

6. Does anyone even care whether I signal?

7. Jeez, this light is taking forever.

8. Will I get a ticket for running a red light?

9. Why is there a garbage truck blocking the bike lane?

11. How the hell am I supposed to get in the left lane?

12. Can that truck even see me?

13. I ALMOST DIED!!!

14. It’s okay I’m alive it’s okay I’m alive it’s okay.

15. Crap, missed my turn.

16. Will I get a ticket for going the wrong way down a one way street?

17. *Goes down one way street*

18. HOLY SHIT THERE’S A COP!

19. Never mind, he’s sleeping.

20. Once I buy this coffee maker, how am I going to put it on the bike?

21. I’ll just take the subway home.

Cover photo credit: Mark Lyon/Flickr