What does "bike defensively" mean, waiting for every asshole who's attention is fixated on their smartphone while crossing your path against the light?

It means pay attention and don't be an asshole.  IE: If the pedestrian has the light, don't bike through it and yell at them just because you can go which happens roughly *all the time*. 

Sorry, but about 2% bikers in New York are city's biggest assholes.  I've thrice had cyclists almost run me over when I had the right of way at a light (two of whom then yelled about it and quickly biked away!), multiple bikes cut me off while I was in my f**king car...  It's absurd. 

I give my praise to the 98% of bikers who are kind, courteous and deserve a safe place to bike without fear of stupid drives and inattentive pedestrians.  But there are some huge jerkoffs who seemingly make it their life's mission to give all bikers a bad name.

everything you just mentioned has happened to me while cycling but the assholes were pedestrians. not paying attention and wandering into the bike lane, crossing against the light, texting while walking -not even looking up to make sure im not a dump truck. there are asshole cyclists as well as asshole pedestrians. Broadway in Manhattan is the worst for cycling by far.

The bike lane on Broadway is dangerous- I broke my wrist avoiding a guy who was walking his bike going the wrong way, up the bike lane. I now stick to the car lanes where it's safe.

Yes, that's what it means. I ride a motorcycle, I have a lot more to watch out for than bicyclists. I have no idea why bicyclists think they don't have to do the same.

It means biking slowly and at times wondering why you even bother.

We really need tort reform.

In the caption it reads "Not the cyclist in question, but you'll notice that the runner and the cyclist share a bike lane in Central Park without apparent incident"

Why should the cyclists have to share the bike lane?  If you want to run, run on the sidewalk.  Worried you might hit someone who isn't running?  Now you know how a cyclist feels when you're running in a space specifically carved out for riding a bike.  Get out of the bike lane if you're not on a bike!

There is actually a jogging lane right next to the bike lane, but joggers don't use it because it isn't paved with the right material, or something.

PS Gothamist: As a cyclist I demand that you change all references to the person in question from "cyclist" to "triathlete." Thank you for your compliance.

Ever see some of those Juna Inkangaa-wannabees going tear-ass down a busy sidewalk in their short-shorts and low-weight running shoes? Total assholes. I always taunt them with a cry of "Hey Sheldon Karlin - where's your tank top with registration number on it?!? Yeah, didn't think so!"

What is the reference to Sheldon Karlin about? I'm lost on that one? 

i hate people that bike in sandals. its great that you are wearing a helmet, now put on some proper footwear. asphalt will turn bare feet into hamburger meat.

I guess that works for me.  I ride barefoot!

I've see a few runners in Prospect Park recently with bare feet, not those stupid glove things for the feet either, talk about freaking disgusting and dangerous.

I ran the marathon and some dude in front of me in the lineup was barefoot

Running barefoot is actually healthy and enjoyable once you strengthen you feet.  I fail to see why something that people have done for over 2000 years would be deemed dangerous and disgusting as opposed to sneakers with all that extra cushioning and flared heels that cause you to land on your heel, thus damaging your knee!

Haha! That was me. 

Agree, but it's better than great great - it's great great GREAT!

And grammer police are even worse. You wear sandals don't you? or is mandals is the correct term?

Personally I don't know how that guy goes through the day considering it sounds like all he does is taunt and yell at people, apparently.

But cycling in sandals is awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed the few times I've done it.