Mr Silver: I've seen both types of sewer grates. At least where I live, there are more unsafe than safe ones.

Most NYC cyclists weave through cars, not just messengers. I stay in the lane and don't weave, though I'm usually over to the side. I "take the lane" very rarely.

Eden, I agree this writer has had a lot of accidents. (I also think she should and could have gotten the EMT to lock up her bike). I also agree that weaving in and out of traffic increases risk, but that is simply the way things are done in much of Manhattan.

There isn't room for the riding style you describe. Most streets are one way, and very narrow, with cars parked and double-parked on both sides. Also, most people travel by cab, and cabs have to pull over to let passengers in and out. Cars are going to squeeze by you because it's so crowded. As far as riding close to the curb, there's no way to avoid that.

I live in a very old part of the city -- my building was built in 1910, and the streets were in place long before that. Nowadays those streets have to accommodate tractor trailer trucks, tour buses, and gazillions of construction vehicles. I mostly stick to the bike path.

Pam