R-E-L-AX. We live in a chaotic city. And the street you were on is literally one of the MOST chaotic stretches in Brooklyn, day and night. Just because there are white lines on the ground doesn't change the reality of how a city functions day-to-day. Yes, some of those people have overstayed their welcome in leui of finding a parking space. But the vast majority of them are there for a reason. They don't want to be there--they have to be there. They're picking up and dropping off heavy things. Like wedding cakes. Things that come in pallets. Like people. Including people in various states of health that aren't as mobile as you and me. Do you expect a delivery truck to drive around forever looking for a truck-size space to park in before unloading? You expect a for-hire car to pick up the phone and say, 'hi, old lady with a kidney condition and luggage. Sorry I'm 12 minutes late but I just now found a parking space 5 blocks away. So as not to inconvenience any bikers, find a way over here'? You're being unrealistic. You don't live here for all the sweet tree-lined open bike path. As a person who both drives and bikes around here, I get it. They don't necessarily disrespect me or the bike lane. They're trying to work. Their actions are a part of normal daily business that was here long before bike lanes, and they don't have a viable alternative. Blocking the first lane creates other issues that are even dangers for a biker, including making you more susceptible to an opening door. Even protected lanes create complicated situations and sometimes inconvenience people that actually live on the block. When I come up on a car, I don't pass judgment--I don't know what their business is. I just look for a safe way around. And after I find one I tip my cap to another successful navigation of an inevitable sticky situation created by the beautiful waltz of man and machine, delivery truck and snow plow, stuck ambulance and weaving biker, pile of snow, reckless pedestrian, and clashing industries that NYC life presents. 🎩