A Wall of Pigeons in a Biker’s Path

Yes, pigeons must eat, too, but they seemed to do just fine over the aeons without humans feeding them.

This woman sounds like a tool. Did she offer any aid/comfort, or only back talk?

I do agree it's up to the biker to be vigilant, but this situation is arguably unforeseeable. In any event, seems to me the correct respond would be " You're right, I'm sorry".

A swarm of pigeons don't suddenly form a thick, fluttering wall. You were speeding into an already formed wall.

The same thing happened to me in northern Michigan. People feeding a flock of birds too close to the (quiet) subdivision road I biked regularly. Completely unafraid of humans, and treating me like an unwelcome interloper to their daily feast, I learned to slow way down and move cautiously while surrounded by the wild turkeys.

My experience with "bikers" is that they are by far the most entitled human beings on the planet. The fact that they are NOT in a car somehow makes them feel like the entire rest of the world must bow to their doing as the please.

If you are a pedestrian or even if you are on the side of the road feeding birds it's always some one else's fault for getting in their way. Hey, you're up in the air sitting, balancing on two wheels, time for them to take responsibility for their precarious, and yes, even dangerous, position.

There is a road in Brooklyn where the bike lane is on the left of a one way street. Fair enough, but then that street intersect with another, where cars can make a left hand turn. Time after time I see bikers merrily going straight across when cars are trying to go left. You would never see a car lane going straight to the left of a car lane making a left turn, but bikers expect some kind of divine right to do as they please

As for the birds, you didn't see the birds in front of you, really?.

To all commenters taking the side of the woman feeding the birds or telling the bicyclist to be a better bicyclist - Mr. Yossi Hiffman was on a 'Bike path' built and maintained and meant for joggers and bikers to be able to exercise safely.

It was not paid for by taxpayers to be a pigeon restaurant!

Great story! Your diplomacy while on the ground in pain is very impressive. I don't think I would have been able to have such a calm discussion. But, at least you were able to prevent others from having a similar experience befall them (pun intended!).
One doesn't have to be riding fast or be unaware of one's surrounding to have such an accident. Birds can approach very quickly and it is enough to startle anyone. Even on a designated bike path, following all the rules, it can be difficult enough just to watch out for reckless cyclists and pedestrians.
I hope you have a speedy recovery!

There are two issues here. 1. road safety and using good judgment regarding the use of said road 2. pigeons in our city. If you check out http://www.wildbirdfund.org you will find amazing and awesome facts around not only pigeons but all of our city birds including hawks, starlings, sparrows and more. We need to share our urban landscape in a holistic and compassionate way -- pigeons, for example, are not native to North America and do not eat worms, et al -- they are strictly seed eating. Because of this and the fact that these birds were brought to the US mainly for racing and/or as pets and - in some instances -- for food -- these birds were not indigenous to our area but they deserve our care -- expecially because of this fact. Pigeons often die of starvation in our city because, as I said, they are strictly seed eaters. Forced to feed on garbage they often die of botcilism (sp?) food poisoning, etc. Pigeons mate for life and are extremely intelligent birds. The paretns equally care for their newborn, both feeding them a milk-like substance they manufacture in their "crops." They make over a thousand different and distinct vocalizations that express an array of emotions and thoughts. Incresasingly our "wild places" are destroyed in favor of big box stores and development. Increasingly our cities parks often are the last refuge for free birds. Free birds in our city are a blessing. @UWC_NYC

It illegal to feed pigeons but like most other laws like U-turns, Tax Evasion, and Illegal Immigration, it is not enforced. Following the law is optional, just don't get punished. Enforcement is arbitrary, and usually about revenue generation and there is no revenue in ticketing for pigeon feeding.

Mr. Hoffman, I hope your feeling ok but really, you should be more responsible and aware of your surroundings. If you cant navigate a bicycle safely, dont ride.

Unfortunately, it's not illegal to feed birds in NYC. It's also not illegal to lack the common sense to refrain from doing so on public pathways.

personally, i value pigeon life equally with human life. i feed pigeons everywhere that's safe. for the pigeons.

If you can't maintain control of your bicycle because of a flock of rock doves, it may be time to give up bicycling in NYC! Your crash was neither the woman's nor the rock doves' fault. It was yours.

Feeding pigeons is a violation that calls for a summons and fine. And ironically, nearly every violator feeds them in parks where the pigeons can find natural sources of food on their own. And it seems rare for the pigeon feeders to throw the bread crumbs and other detritus anywhere near their own homes.
It is well established that throwing food around the City is the direct cause of rat infestation.
Unfortunately there is virtually no enforcement of the regulations.

Far more injuries are caused by reckless bikers than pigeons. I bike to work every day, following traffic laws and yielding to pedestrians, cars and other bikes. I guess i would yield to birds to if the situation ever arose.

I am sorry that you were injured and appreciate your kind demeanor in light of the circumstances. I bet you were going pretty fast on that bike.