As avid cyclists, we all know that the NYC Parks are an incredible resource for convenient, efficient training rides away from car traffic, but this access is not a right. Racing in Central Park is a privilege granted through our long-term partnership and collaboration with NYC Parks and the Central Park Conservancy. It’s why we are required to wear CRCA identifying patches on our shoulders when racing or training in Central Park. It adds a layer of accountability to our behavior. As CRCA members and faster cyclists, we have additional responsibilities.

We have to follow the rules in all NYC Parks. We have to be safe and aware of our surroundings at all times. We have to be kind. The faster we ride, the more dangerous we can be to other park users, and as a very visible group, we can be perceived as dangerous regardless. Give other park users extra space when passing, and if you can’t, train at an hour when you can.

As a reminder, below is the protocol for training in Central Park that every member agrees to follow when signing up for CRCA. Please familiarize yourself with these points (which include common sense rules that should apply to all public roadways) as well as our membership code of conduct ahead of this new season. 

CENTRAL PARK PROTOCOL FOR CYCLING AND TRAINING

1. Cyclists are subject to all laws, rules and regulations governing Central Park at all times and shall act accordingly when using the Park.

2. Training rides should be limited to times when the Park is least crowded (i.e., weekdays before 8am and after 8pm/6pm in winter).

3. Group training rides should be kept small (12 people max as of 2017) and take into account proximate Park user traffic.

4. Cyclists shall employ caution and common sense when approaching crosswalks and signal lights.

5. Cyclists shall always yield to pedestrians, regardless of whether they are in a crosswalk. The safety of pedestrians is paramount at all times.

6. Cyclists shall ride predictably at a speed appropriate to the circumstances - safe for the density of Park user traffic.

7. Cyclists should be extra vigilant throughout the south section of the Park, from West 72nd Street around to the bottom of Cat’s Paw Hill north of the Boathouse, in order to maintain safety through this narrow and congested area.

8. In general, slower cyclists should stay left and faster cyclists should pass on the right when safe to do so. No cyclist may ride in the runner’s lane at any time. When passing any park users, allow several feet of clearance.

9. Cyclists shall employ front and rear lights before dawn and after dusk.

10. Cyclists shall carry valid identification.

11. Cyclists should be alert, courteous and aware that the park is full of tourists and locals who do not know the rules. Understanding that all cyclists are subject to rules and regulations affecting Central Park at all times, the following groups agree to educate their constituents to abide by this Protocol.

These rules are designed to make training in Central Park as safe an experience as possible for all park users. That said, there are inherent risks to cycling in NYC. If a crash does happen, you are responsible for knowing the Bicycle Laws, Rules, and Regulations (source: NYC Department of Transportation). As bike racers, commuters and bystanders, it’s important we fully understand our duties and rights when out on the road. The law pertaining to crashes not involving motor-vehicles is excerpted below. 

§ 4-12 (h) - Reporting accidents by drivers of other than motor vehicles: Cyclist involved in accident resulting in death or injury to person or damage to property must stop and give name, address, a and information concerning liability insurance coverage to the party sustaining injuries or damage and report the accident to the nearest police station unless already supplied to a police officer on the scene. 

Rather than interpret the law for members, I will take this opportunity to promote our qualified club series sponsors Lucarelli & Castaldi, LLP, renowned tristate area bicycle crash attorneys and longtime supporters of CRCA. We’ll have more from them next week.

Thank you everyone for your attention to these rules and the safety of all riders and community members. CRCA wouldn’t be the oldest and largest cycling club in the U.S. without the participation and engagement of all of you. As the 2023 President, I am really looking forward to opening this racing season in just a few weeks, and there is still a lot to communicate before our first race on March 5. Season updates and early number/timing chip pickup will be announced shortly!