Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On 2/1/07, David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 - Dave As the only (former) bike courier on this list (that I know of), I feel equiped to comment with some knowledge. First, what these guys are doing looks really dangerous, but believe it or not, they're in control. Their biggest concern would be the door prize - ie: someone jumping out of a taxi and throwing open a door without warning. I've ridden in New York, and surprisingly, the drivers there are predictable, keep to their lanes, signal lane changes, and are quite polite to bike couriers (compared to Toronto, anyway). I think that's in large part due to a fairly recent law that taxis' licences are suspended pending any investigation of any complaint. Due to that, they drive pretty much perfectly. The other thing about New York, is that bikes go the same speed as motor traffic, and that's a pretty safe situation for bikes. It means we can take the middle of the lane and not worry of being squeezed out by passing cars. All that being said, the guys in the video do give bike messengers a bad name, especially buzzing pedestrians like that. The going through lights, the squeezing between gridlocked cars (as I said, that's the riskiest thing they did), the going the wrong way down one-way streets look much more dangerous than they are. But pedestrians are pretty helpless and unprotected; I always tried to be nice to them. cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
...And the guy with the helmet mounted camera is the craziest one of the lot. frank theriault wrote: On 2/1/07, David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 - Dave As the only (former) bike courier on this list (that I know of), I feel equiped to comment with some knowledge. First, what these guys are doing looks really dangerous, but believe it or not, they're in control. Their biggest concern would be the door prize - ie: someone jumping out of a taxi and throwing open a door without warning. I've ridden in New York, and surprisingly, the drivers there are predictable, keep to their lanes, signal lane changes, and are quite polite to bike couriers (compared to Toronto, anyway). I think that's in large part due to a fairly recent law that taxis' licences are suspended pending any investigation of any complaint. Due to that, they drive pretty much perfectly. The other thing about New York, is that bikes go the same speed as motor traffic, and that's a pretty safe situation for bikes. It means we can take the middle of the lane and not worry of being squeezed out by passing cars. All that being said, the guys in the video do give bike messengers a bad name, especially buzzing pedestrians like that. The going through lights, the squeezing between gridlocked cars (as I said, that's the riskiest thing they did), the going the wrong way down one-way streets look much more dangerous than they are. But pedestrians are pretty helpless and unprotected; I always tried to be nice to them. cheers, frank -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: OT: Cycle couriers
Nice to have you back Frank. Tim Mostly harmless (just plain Norwegian) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of frank theriault Sent: 9. februar 2007 15:13 To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: OT: Cycle couriers On 2/1/07, David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 - Dave As the only (former) bike courier on this list (that I know of), I feel equiped to comment with some knowledge. First, what these guys are doing looks really dangerous, but believe it or not, they're in control. Their biggest concern would be the door prize - ie: someone jumping out of a taxi and throwing open a door without warning. I've ridden in New York, and surprisingly, the drivers there are predictable, keep to their lanes, signal lane changes, and are quite polite to bike couriers (compared to Toronto, anyway). I think that's in large part due to a fairly recent law that taxis' licences are suspended pending any investigation of any complaint. Due to that, they drive pretty much perfectly. The other thing about New York, is that bikes go the same speed as motor traffic, and that's a pretty safe situation for bikes. It means we can take the middle of the lane and not worry of being squeezed out by passing cars. All that being said, the guys in the video do give bike messengers a bad name, especially buzzing pedestrians like that. The going through lights, the squeezing between gridlocked cars (as I said, that's the riskiest thing they did), the going the wrong way down one-way streets look much more dangerous than they are. But pedestrians are pretty helpless and unprotected; I always tried to be nice to them. cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
Bit late sorry, but for anyone who's interested, here's a link to the unyoutubified original version and other videos of the similar thing, maybe in different cities: http://www.digave.com/videos/ Cheers, Ryan - Original Message - From: David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 3:52 PM Subject: OT: Cycle couriers This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 - Dave -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
From: Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2007/02/01 Thu PM 09:51:38 GMT To: pentax list PDML@pdml.net Subject: Re: OT: Cycle couriers On 1/2/07, keith_w, discombobulated, unleashed: Damn fools...pure and simple. Yeah but *happy* damn fools ;-) *Lucky*, happy damn fools. - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On 2/1/07, Christian [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Digital Image Studio wrote: I did catch a pedestrian who was knocked over by a bike courier crossing one of the cities busiest pedestrian light controlled crossing some years back, of course the lights were red for the cyclist :-( I blame frank. :-) Words to live by. Cheers, Dave -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
From: David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2007/02/01 Thu AM 05:52:50 GMT To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Subject: OT: Cycle couriers This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 I take it you haven't seen the motorcycle commute ones from Japan. Just as stupid but about three times faster. - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
If they can survive midtown Manhattan traffic, they can survive anything. In my crazier, younger days, I once roller bladed those same streets. Paul On Feb 1, 2007, at 12:52 AM, David Mann wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 - Dave -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
It's true that drivers in NY are aware of the environmnet, but they follow no rules. I remember when I used to drive to work in midtown. To get into 53rd Street from Third Avenue I had to turn left from about the third lane over, cutting across two lanes of traffic. That was the only way I could avoid waiting in a long line of other cars that wanted to turn left. Cabbies do it all the time. They also believe that you have 30 seconds to make it after the light changes to red. It's every man for himself. Paul On Feb 1, 2007, at 1:07 AM, Digital Image Studio wrote: On 01/02/07, David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 I wouldn't give them 30mons in Sydney, the NYC drivers are very accommodating from my experience as a pedestrian. -- Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~distudio//publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
Digital Image Studio wrote: I did catch a pedestrian who was knocked over by a bike courier crossing one of the cities busiest pedestrian light controlled crossing some years back, of course the lights were red for the cyclist :-( I blame frank. :-) -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers--Where's Knarf?
Speaking of whom, where =is= Frank these days??? --- Christian [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Digital Image Studio wrote: I did catch a pedestrian who was knocked over by a bike courier crossing one of the cities busiest pedestrian light controlled crossing some years back, of course the lights were red for the cyclist :-( I blame frank. :-) -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net http://www.photo.net/photos/RickW Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers--Where's Knarf?
I was wondering the same thing. Haven't heard from him in at least a week. Paul -- Original message -- From: Rick Womer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Speaking of whom, where =is= Frank these days??? --- Christian [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Digital Image Studio wrote: I did catch a pedestrian who was knocked over by a bike courier crossing one of the cities busiest pedestrian light controlled crossing some years back, of course the lights were red for the cyclist :-( I blame frank. :-) -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net http://www.photo.net/photos/RickW Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers--Where's Knarf?
On 1/2/07, Rick Womer, discombobulated, unleashed: Speaking of whom, where =is= Frank these days??? He's a courtin ;-) -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers--Where's Knarf?
Speaking of whom, where =is= Frank these days??? Or Shel ? Kenneth Waller - Original Message - From: Rick Womer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: OT: Cycle couriers--Where's Knarf? Speaking of whom, where =is= Frank these days??? --- Christian [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Digital Image Studio wrote: I did catch a pedestrian who was knocked over by a bike courier crossing one of the cities busiest pedestrian light controlled crossing some years back, of course the lights were red for the cyclist :-( I blame frank. :-) -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net http://www.photo.net/photos/RickW Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers--Where's Knarf?
Kenneth Waller wrote: Speaking of whom, where =is= Frank these days??? Or Shel ? shel was in the hospital for a procedure of some sort. someone posted that he is out and doing well. -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On Feb 1, 2007, at 5:22, Paul Stenquist wrote: It's true that drivers in NY are aware of the environmnet, but they follow no rules. I remember when I used to drive to work in midtown. To get into 53rd Street from Third Avenue I had to turn left from about the third lane over, cutting across two lanes of traffic. That was the only way I could avoid waiting in a long line of other cars that wanted to turn left. (God forbid you should wait your turn?!?!?!?) -Charles -- Charles Robinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Minneapolis, MN http://charles.robinsontwins.org -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On Jan 31, 2007, at 9:52 PM, David Mann wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 Wonderful piece. Reminds me of the tour I got of London with my friends who were ex-motorcycle couriers... G -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
God forbid, indeed. I usually showed up there just before nine and had to get to my parking garage which was right around the corner. If I waited my turn, I would have been cut off by a dozen or more cabs that were doing exactly what I described below. It's the no-rules rul of NYC driving. I din't make them up. I just followed them:-). -- Original message -- From: Charles Robinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Feb 1, 2007, at 5:22, Paul Stenquist wrote: It's true that drivers in NY are aware of the environmnet, but they follow no rules. I remember when I used to drive to work in midtown. To get into 53rd Street from Third Avenue I had to turn left from about the third lane over, cutting across two lanes of traffic. That was the only way I could avoid waiting in a long line of other cars that wanted to turn left. (God forbid you should wait your turn?!?!?!?) -Charles -- Charles Robinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Minneapolis, MN http://charles.robinsontwins.org -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
re: Shel (was: re: OT: Cycle couriers)
Someone asked about Shel. He's home and doing ok. Taking it easy. I correspond with him from time to time, checking in, see how he's doing. Seems a bit down on energy but otherwise all right. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
Digital Image Studio wrote: On 01/02/07, David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 I wouldn't give them 30mons in Sydney, the NYC drivers are very accommodating from my experience as a pedestrian. As an OLD motorcycle rider, I can assure you, drivers do NOT know what's behind them or beside them. By far the greatest number are oblivious to two-wheelers of any ilk. Watching that sashay thru heavy traffic, I spied dozens of times the rider taking the photos, let alone his compatriots, were one whim away from one of the drivers shutting the door on one of those fools... Move 1 and you'll catch your handle bars, and one swerve at the wrong time, and it' a vise. Damn fools...pure and simple. keith whaley -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On 1/2/07, keith_w, discombobulated, unleashed: Damn fools...pure and simple. Yeah but *happy* damn fools ;-) -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On 01/02/07, David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This has to be about the scariest video I've ever seen. These guys wouldn't last 5 minutes in my city. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8 I wouldn't give them 30mons in Sydney, the NYC drivers are very accommodating from my experience as a pedestrian. -- Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~distudio//publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Cycle couriers
On 01/02/07, Digital Image Studio [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I wouldn't give them 30mons in Sydney, the NYC drivers are very accommodating from my experience as a pedestrian. Hmm, try 30 seconds. I did catch a pedestrian who was knocked over by a bike courier crossing one of the cities busiest pedestrian light controlled crossing some years back, of course the lights were red for the cyclist :-( -- Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~distudio//publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
