Rode home to Astoria from Greenpoint yesterday around 6. The Pulaski path is basically a free-for-all. The bike side stripes are there but joggers/runners three abreast, strollers, people staring at phones. Do people actually think the whole thing is a promenade? I know it's mixed-use but there are literally painted bikes. Am I wrong for getting aggravated? Any better crossing at that hour?

Ugh yes! The Pulaski is a classic painted lane with zero enforcement. Have you tried the north sidewalk on the bridge? It’s narrower but the runners tend to avoid it because it’s uneven. I’ve been timing it; the south path is slower between 5:30 and 7 than just walking your bike! The bridge also has that weird expansion gap near the Queens side that throws you into the pedestrian side if you’re not careful. I put a bell on my handlebar, but people treat it like background noise. I want those plastic bollards like on 21st St!

I’ve ridden both paths for years. The Pulaski is technically a shared-use path, but the painted center line is more of a suggestion than a separation. In the evening, the pedestrian flow toward Greenpoint spills into the bike side because the sidewalk access at the foot of the bridge funnels everyone together. The north path can be a workaround, but RiverdaleRambler is right that it has that gap and the Queens approach is steep. I’d add: if you’re trying to keep a steady 12–15 mph, this isn’t the place at 6pm. Slow to jogging speed through the first third, keep your line, and don’t pass unless the pedestrian side is clear. The real trouble is the blind curve just after the Manhattan Avenue side—people coming the other way cut the corner. I’ve started using 49th Ave/Jackson Ave to the 21st St bike lane when I’m not in a rush; it adds maybe 5 minutes but I’m not gripping my brakes the entire way. One caveat: the 21st St lane has more truck loading midday, but in the evening it's fine.

Thanks oldyork_otis. I wasn't trying to hammer it, just wanted to keep rolling without clipping a stroller. The blind curve mention is exactly where I almost ate it. That 21st St detour adds time but maybe worth it after a long day. RiverdaleRambler, I haven't tried the north path. Is it sketchy at night or just rough pavement?

It's rough but rideable on 32mm tires! I once hit that expansion gap on a road bike and almost cracked a rim, no joke. Have you tried the little greenway segment under the bridge on the Queens side? It spits you out by the 7 train entrance and lets you skip the worst merging. Honestly the worst are the folks with earbuds in both ears walking on the wrong side. I've started calling 'on your left' in a ridiculously cheerful voice so they don't shout at me.

The north path is sketchy at night only because the lighting is worse than the south side—there’s one dark spot mid-span where a cargo bike with no light nearly hit me. If you go north after dark, use a front light even if you’re crossing at twilight. About the under-bridge path: it helps northbound, but southbound you still get dumped at that awkward triangle where drivers from 11th St are looking left while turning right on red. I’d avoid it in the rain. Another alternative is taking the Kosciuszko bridge path for a bigger detour, but that’s more for Brooklyn-bound rides. The real fix would be separate ped and bike paths—there’s room on the Pulaski if they moved the railings—but that’s a DOT capital project that won’t happen this year.

Good to know about the under-bridge path. I might try the north path once just to see. If I still hate it, I'll just leave 10 minutes earlier and take 21st St. At least the flex posts on 21st keep the double-parkers out, mostly. Appreciate the tips.