If you've biked over the Manhattan Bridge in recent days you may have noticed a new obstacle course waiting for you on either side of the river. Steer carefully, and when biking drunk, always aim for the opening in the middle! The new bollards were installed by the Army Corps of Engineers and feature little red LED lights on top to make them stand out at night.
A DOT spokesman tells us they were installed "as part of a security project that is now complete. The project prevents unauthorized vehicle access and enhances security of the bridge and safety of those using the paths." They're also retractable so maintenance vehicles can still get up there. Meanwhile, on the Manhattan side of the Williamsburg Bridge, a somewhat less sophisticated security system has been put into place.
