Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers has called for the removal of a protected bike lane in her district, citing the lack of usage due to illegal parking by drivers. Despite efforts to improve bike infrastructure citywide, Brooks-Powers' stance contrasts with her previous support for protected bike lanes. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the need for community support in expanding bike lanes, highlighting a recent report that revealed the city installed only 29 miles of protected lanes in 2024, falling short of the 50-mile target. Brookes-Powers' request signifies a complex relationship with bike policy on local levels.
We've been trying to get [the bike lane] removed for three years. It wasn't supported by the community. ... In effect it's not a bike lane quite honestly; no one uses it, they [drivers] park there.
Fifty miles of bike lanes is not realistic unless everyone is on board, unless every Council member comes and says, 'I want bike lanes in my district.'
The report noted that the DOT installed roughly 29 miles of protected bike lanes in 2024, which is an improvement but still less than the 50-mile benchmark required.
Rodriguez, perhaps recalling how many times Brooks-Powers has supported bike lanes in general, but not in her district, said his department can only reach its goals with buy-in from communities and their Council members.
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