losing lanes
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/snow-stops-naked-protest-ride...
Emotions are running high in New York following the removal of part of a Brooklyn bike lane by city authorities.
Critics claim the route in Bedford Avenue, South Williamsburg has been axed as a political favour to the Hasidic Jewish community there.
The community reportedly objected to it on grounds that it caused parking problems, was a danger to people getting off school buses and attracted immodestly dressed female cyclists.
Riders responded by painting the lane back in – although the city soon removed it again – holding a funeral and vigil (see video below), and threatening to hold a naked protest ride.
This later changed into a fully clothed protest ride – although whether this was due to a change of strategy or the snow is unclear.
One of the ride’s organisers, Heather Loop, said “We’re not trying to start a war, we’re trying to save a bike lane.”
14 blocks' worth of lane have gone, with riders being asked to use the Kent Avenue bike lane two blocks away and the authorities saying the change is “part of ongoing bike network adjustments”.
The Kent Avenue bike lane has survived similar controversy. Barricades were threatened, fake detour signs put up and there have been lots of objections over re-routed trucks.
The installation of bike lanes in Williamsburg has been a cause of controversy for some time. Business people and drivers have been unhappy at the removal of parking spaces to make room for the bike lanes, created as part of the city’s drive to massively increase cycling.
Biking advocacy group Transportation Alternatives said: “Cyclists will still use Bedford Avenue in large numbers, and we call on the Bloomberg administration to provide the safe route they deserve. We encourage cyclists to continue using this route and assert their legal right to the road."
Emotions are running high in New York following the removal of part of a Brooklyn bike lane by city authorities.
Critics claim the route in Bedford Avenue, South Williamsburg has been axed as a political favour to the Hasidic Jewish community there.
The community reportedly objected to it on grounds that it caused parking problems, was a danger to people getting off school buses and attracted immodestly dressed female cyclists.
Riders responded by painting the lane back in – although the city soon removed it again – holding a funeral and vigil (see video below), and threatening to hold a naked protest ride.
This later changed into a fully clothed protest ride – although whether this was due to a change of strategy or the snow is unclear.
One of the ride’s organisers, Heather Loop, said “We’re not trying to start a war, we’re trying to save a bike lane.”
14 blocks' worth of lane have gone, with riders being asked to use the Kent Avenue bike lane two blocks away and the authorities saying the change is “part of ongoing bike network adjustments”.
The Kent Avenue bike lane has survived similar controversy. Barricades were threatened, fake detour signs put up and there have been lots of objections over re-routed trucks.
The installation of bike lanes in Williamsburg has been a cause of controversy for some time. Business people and drivers have been unhappy at the removal of parking spaces to make room for the bike lanes, created as part of the city’s drive to massively increase cycling.
Biking advocacy group Transportation Alternatives said: “Cyclists will still use Bedford Avenue in large numbers, and we call on the Bloomberg administration to provide the safe route they deserve. We encourage cyclists to continue using this route and assert their legal right to the road."
Views: 14
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on
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14 blocks of lane were removed? That's absurd! Does anyone who's lived in NY know how many miles this would be?
As for the supposed school bus debarking danger, LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. Though cyclists (and all traffic) should stop when a school bus's STOP sign is flashing.
The whole thing about attracting "immodestly dressed female cyclists" is ridiculous as well. Should women have to bike in jeans and long sleeve shirts year-round? And what about the dudes? I guess it's not a route used by roadies.
And then there's the worst complaint of all - that the bike caused parking problems. Really? Is the concept of a shared lane in New York completely unknown?
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Permalink Reply by Dave Jacque on
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It's a lesson we should take to heart: It doesn't take a lot of very vocal people with silly objections to frighten bureaucrats. Our best defense is continued advocacy (i.e., showing up -- fully clothed -- at meetings to make sure our side is represented.)
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Permalink Reply by Duppie on
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Hey Ryan, slow down! You might get yourself an ulcer right before Christmas with all that pent-up frustration ;)
May I suggest you read this guy for a lighter take on that situation?
Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:14 blocks of lane were removed? That's absurd! Does anyone who's lived in NY know how many miles this would be?
As for the supposed school bus debarking danger, LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. Though cyclists (and all traffic) should stop when a school bus's STOP sign is flashing.
The whole thing about attracting "immodestly dressed female cyclists" is ridiculous as well. Should women have to bike in jeans and long sleeve shirts year-round? And what about the dudes? I guess it's not a route used by roadies.
And then there's the worst complaint of all - that the bike caused parking problems. Really? Is the concept of a shared lane in New York completely unknown?
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