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‘Surreal’: What It’s Like to Ride a Motorcycle Through New York Right Now ‘Surreal’: What It’s Like to Ride a Motorcycle Through New York Right Now
(2 days later)
When Giorgio Milella, a graphic designer, started working from home in mid-March, he figured out how to break up the tedium: by leaving his Harlem apartment and hitting the newly empty streets on his motorcycle.When Giorgio Milella, a graphic designer, started working from home in mid-March, he figured out how to break up the tedium: by leaving his Harlem apartment and hitting the newly empty streets on his motorcycle.
“The first week, I was like, This is amazing. Going down Fifth Avenue and there are no cars,” recalled Mr. Milella, 33, who was once able to catch a wave of green lights all the way from the West Village to 135th Street.“The first week, I was like, This is amazing. Going down Fifth Avenue and there are no cars,” recalled Mr. Milella, 33, who was once able to catch a wave of green lights all the way from the West Village to 135th Street.
But gradually the experience, which he called “surreal,” started to change for him. “I’ve been like, There’s something wrong with this whole scenario,” he said. “Why am I not staying home?”But gradually the experience, which he called “surreal,” started to change for him. “I’ve been like, There’s something wrong with this whole scenario,” he said. “Why am I not staying home?”
Since the pandemic has largely cleared the New York’s streets, few motorcyclists have been able to ignore the singular, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — speeding through the city free of the annoyances that can make riding here such a frustrating and dangerous experience: distracted drivers, swerving taxi cabs, sclerotic traffic. All that, and it’s spring, too.Since the pandemic has largely cleared the New York’s streets, few motorcyclists have been able to ignore the singular, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — speeding through the city free of the annoyances that can make riding here such a frustrating and dangerous experience: distracted drivers, swerving taxi cabs, sclerotic traffic. All that, and it’s spring, too.
“Thank God for quarantine,” said Mateo Pagan, 27, who joined a huge pack of stunt riders on motorcycles, ATVs and dirt bikes over Easter weekend to ride his Honda dirt bike. “Manhattan was like our playground,” he said.“Thank God for quarantine,” said Mateo Pagan, 27, who joined a huge pack of stunt riders on motorcycles, ATVs and dirt bikes over Easter weekend to ride his Honda dirt bike. “Manhattan was like our playground,” he said.
But many other motorcyclists feel conflicted. “This should be nirvana for us right now,” said Cheryl Stewart, 57, a founding member of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club, “but a pleasure ride feels selfish.”But many other motorcyclists feel conflicted. “This should be nirvana for us right now,” said Cheryl Stewart, 57, a founding member of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club, “but a pleasure ride feels selfish.”
With hospitals and medical workers overburdened, a crash not only means drawing on resources desperately needed elsewhere, but also potentially life-threatening treatment delays, in addition to exposure to the virus. For many motorcyclists, keenly aware that it’s always a matter of when, not if they crash, that’s an unreasonable risk to add to an already risky activity.With hospitals and medical workers overburdened, a crash not only means drawing on resources desperately needed elsewhere, but also potentially life-threatening treatment delays, in addition to exposure to the virus. For many motorcyclists, keenly aware that it’s always a matter of when, not if they crash, that’s an unreasonable risk to add to an already risky activity.
“We access the risk/rewards equation every time we throw a leg over a bike,” Ms. Stewart said. “Now the risks are much higher.”“We access the risk/rewards equation every time we throw a leg over a bike,” Ms. Stewart said. “Now the risks are much higher.”
Both motorcycle crashes and moving violations have declined since the pandemic hit the city. Between March 15 and May 15, there were 161 motorcycle crashes, down from 329 during the same period last year, a decrease of 51.4 percent, according to an analysis of police data by the nonprofit OpenTheBooks.com.Both motorcycle crashes and moving violations have declined since the pandemic hit the city. Between March 15 and May 15, there were 161 motorcycle crashes, down from 329 during the same period last year, a decrease of 51.4 percent, according to an analysis of police data by the nonprofit OpenTheBooks.com.
Some riders have curbed their habits. Vassili Shishkin, a financial manager, usually rides his Ducati every day. “And I take pride in that,” he said. “It’s my biggest passion. I rode all winter, in the rain, cold, freezing weather.” At the start of the pandemic, he continued to ride, calling it “a guilty pleasure.”Some riders have curbed their habits. Vassili Shishkin, a financial manager, usually rides his Ducati every day. “And I take pride in that,” he said. “It’s my biggest passion. I rode all winter, in the rain, cold, freezing weather.” At the start of the pandemic, he continued to ride, calling it “a guilty pleasure.”
But after listening to news reports, the gravity of the situation started to sink in and Mr. Shishkin, 40, “got spooked,” he said. Now he only rides once a week — reluctantly — to gather material for his Ducati vlog.But after listening to news reports, the gravity of the situation started to sink in and Mr. Shishkin, 40, “got spooked,” he said. Now he only rides once a week — reluctantly — to gather material for his Ducati vlog.
Other motorcyclists, however, are happy to have a legitimate excuse to be riding. Jan Eggers, 45, who is considered to be an essential worker because he is a doorman, commutes to Manhattan from Montvale, N.J., on his BMW F850GS, an adventure bike.Other motorcyclists, however, are happy to have a legitimate excuse to be riding. Jan Eggers, 45, who is considered to be an essential worker because he is a doorman, commutes to Manhattan from Montvale, N.J., on his BMW F850GS, an adventure bike.
“It’s been blissful. Instead of being ultra-defensive, you can actually enjoy your time,” Mr. Eggers said.“It’s been blissful. Instead of being ultra-defensive, you can actually enjoy your time,” Mr. Eggers said.
“Last week on Friday, I was heading home and it was windy but crystal clear. I got on the West Side Highway and you could see the Hudson River, the GW Bridge and beyond that the Palisades on one side and Yonkers on the other,” he said. “I was struck by the sheer beauty. On a normal day, I’d be worried about this guy three cars ahead looking over his shoulder.”“Last week on Friday, I was heading home and it was windy but crystal clear. I got on the West Side Highway and you could see the Hudson River, the GW Bridge and beyond that the Palisades on one side and Yonkers on the other,” he said. “I was struck by the sheer beauty. On a normal day, I’d be worried about this guy three cars ahead looking over his shoulder.”
Although many motorcycle groups have not been as showy since the Easter ride, the city recently intervened in a crowding situation at Shore Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, a popular gathering place for motorcyclists.Although many motorcycle groups have not been as showy since the Easter ride, the city recently intervened in a crowding situation at Shore Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, a popular gathering place for motorcyclists.
“The local precinct decided to place barricades at each end of the Boulevard to completely restrict vehicle access,” said Anthony Liberatoscioli, chairman of the Astoria Park Alliance. “But the revving continues.”“The local precinct decided to place barricades at each end of the Boulevard to completely restrict vehicle access,” said Anthony Liberatoscioli, chairman of the Astoria Park Alliance. “But the revving continues.”
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
On a weekend in late April, Brandon Garcia, 22, was among the bikers hanging out by the new barricades. “Most of the people I know are still riding,” Mr. Garcia said. “We’re in a group chat and everyone is like, ‘Who’s riding, who’s riding?’ People are ecstatic. It’s like a New York State racetrack, for free.”On a weekend in late April, Brandon Garcia, 22, was among the bikers hanging out by the new barricades. “Most of the people I know are still riding,” Mr. Garcia said. “We’re in a group chat and everyone is like, ‘Who’s riding, who’s riding?’ People are ecstatic. It’s like a New York State racetrack, for free.”
Even so, Mr. Garcia said he was riding more cautiously these days. “The hospitals are crowded and ambulances busy,” he said. “They probably won’t even care if they hear ‘motorcycle crash’ on the radio.”Even so, Mr. Garcia said he was riding more cautiously these days. “The hospitals are crowded and ambulances busy,” he said. “They probably won’t even care if they hear ‘motorcycle crash’ on the radio.”
Other motorcyclists are taking advantage of the empty roads to help their fellow New Yorkers. Kirsten Midura, 34, decided to organize riders into a volunteer delivery network, bringing P.P.E., food and other supplies to essential workers.Other motorcyclists are taking advantage of the empty roads to help their fellow New Yorkers. Kirsten Midura, 34, decided to organize riders into a volunteer delivery network, bringing P.P.E., food and other supplies to essential workers.
“I recognize people are going to be on their bikes anyway,” Ms. Midura said. “It’s a great form of therapy and social distancing.”“I recognize people are going to be on their bikes anyway,” Ms. Midura said. “It’s a great form of therapy and social distancing.”
Mathew Adreini, a manager at Jane Motorcycles, said that his commutes certainly help him to de-stress these days. But his experience of the city has been altered, and not necessarily in a good way.Mathew Adreini, a manager at Jane Motorcycles, said that his commutes certainly help him to de-stress these days. But his experience of the city has been altered, and not necessarily in a good way.
“You see the expanse of the virus,” Mr. Adreini, 32, said. “When you ride down Fifth Avenue sometimes all you see is the National Guard, cops and the homeless.”“You see the expanse of the virus,” Mr. Adreini, 32, said. “When you ride down Fifth Avenue sometimes all you see is the National Guard, cops and the homeless.”
The novelty wears off quickly, Mr. Adreini added. “I didn’t move to New York City to ride a motorcycle. It’s everything else that makes New York New York.”The novelty wears off quickly, Mr. Adreini added. “I didn’t move to New York City to ride a motorcycle. It’s everything else that makes New York New York.”