A judge has approved a plan to remove a three-block stretch of protected bike lane along Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, converting it back to an unprotected configuration. This change places cyclists next to parked cars, raising concerns about the safety of cyclists and chaos in traffic flow. While advocates warn this decision endangers cyclists, some community members argue it inhibits visibility for pedestrians, particularly children, near bus stops, leading to potential accidents. Videos show collisions in this area, further emphasizing the safety risks associated with this reduction in bike lane protections.
Transportation advocates argue that the decision to take away the bike lane will create unsafe conditions for cyclists, leading to chaos in traffic management. Michelle Deme from Transportation Alternatives emphasizes that infrastructure needs to accommodate all modes of transport for safety's sake.
Advocates for the bike lane highlight the danger of reverting to an unprotected configuration, stating that 'if someone gets hurt or killed because of these rollbacks, that blame lands squarely in the hands of Mayor Adams and no one else.'
Community leaders, including Rabbi David Niederman, raise concerns about pedestrian safety, noting that the bike lane obstructs visibility for children being picked up and dropped off by buses. Up to 1,500 kids utilize this area daily, increasing the potential for accidents.
Videos over several months document incidents of collisions between cyclists and pedestrians, reinforcing community concerns about safety along the bike lane.
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