Today is the NYC Marathon. All participants travel up First Avenue; I live between First and York. Last year I remember leaving for work, around 11:30. I was met with three-deep cheering crowds and inspiring runners converging on First Avenue. Barriers and police prevented any crossing. I ended up getting a ride with a stranger whose car I approached on York Avenue.
I didn't want this happening again.
So I decide to leave early, before the runners make it to First. I'm showered, dressed, and out-the-door by 10. First Avenue is empty, but barriers and police are still blocking the street.
"Sorry, ma'am, but no one is allowed to cross the street until later today. If you want to cross, you'll have to go down to 59th Street."
There are no runners yet. Only a handful of bikers. I beg. I plead. It does no good.
And then some older guy, on crutches, says he needs to get to Urgent Care across the street. When the police don't let him through, I know I have no chance.
I walk over to York.
No busses. No cabs. And Via can't get through. Maybe I just won't go in. Work has been dismal lately anyway.
Then I see a police officer on a scooter and get an idea.
The policeman guarding the barrier on York and 79th sees me eyeing the scooter and says, "Don't bother. Those are one seaters."
But then I see another, better possibility.
So I approach.
I plead my weak case.
The two police officers consider my request, discuss it between them, and then, unlock the door and say, "Jump in."
My first time riding in a police car.
I can't believe the generosity of the two officers who are likely going against police policy. That's why no photos of them.
But I did manage a few non-incriminating ones.
The cage and blinking red lights behind me.:
MY driver and his partner in the front
Maybe next year I'll see if I can get a ride on a firetruck.
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