A newly installed protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has become a source of significant controversy. While the bike lane was designed to encourage sustainable transportation, it has raised serious safety concerns among local residents, especially parents of young children. These concerns grew after several incidents were captured on video, prompting fears about pedestrian safety in the neighborhood.
Incidents Raise Alarming Safety Concerns
The controversy escalated when videos showed alarming incidents involving cyclists and children. One video captured a close call where a cyclist nearly struck children exiting a school bus. Another incident involved a child being hit by a cyclist in the same area. These events have intensified concerns that the bike lane could be hazardous, particularly for children who are often unaware of approaching cyclists.
Local residents, including Joel Weberman, a father of nine, voiced concerns about the behavior of cyclists near school buses. Weberman shared personal experiences of having to physically intervene to prevent cyclists from hitting his children. Business owners like Sincha Teich, who runs a dry-cleaning business on Bedford Avenue, also expressed frustration. Teich argued that the bike lane created safety hazards and negatively impacted traffic, affecting his ability to serve customers efficiently.
Petition to Remove the Bike Lane Gains Momentum
In response to these safety concerns, residents started a petition to remove the bike lane. The petition has garnered over 2,500 signatures, signaling strong community support for the removal. The petition emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent further accidents and protect children.
Councilmember Lincoln Restler acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized the importance of child safety. He announced plans to work with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve the bike lane’s design and address local concerns. A walkthrough of the bike lane with DOT representatives is scheduled to find solutions that balance cycling infrastructure with pedestrian safety.