December 1st was a sad day in New York City. A stretch of the Northbound Bedford Avenue bike lane between Flushing Avenue and Division Avenue were removed by the DOT, citing “ongoing bike network adjustments in the area.” The little white mushroom-headed figures and the circles beneath them were blasted from the pavement, their screams muffled by the whir of passing traffic. However, their cries were echoed throughout the biking community, especially among the thousands who trust Bedford as part of their daily commute into Manhattan.
The obvious reason for the bike lane in the first place was that Bedford provides a direct route to the Williamsburg Bridge from the south. The cyclists will continue, bike lane or no bike lane. Though we know that the white line provides no physical barrier—we still compete with those who mistake it for additional parking, a nice place to take a stroll, aggressive drivers, and buses that stop and block all traffic diagonally to discharge passengers, often with little warning—it is still a reminder to many drivers and pedestrians that bikers also have a right to the road.
This lane has been one of some controversy as it passes through a Hasidic Jewish community. The major complaint: Bikers going too fast? Disregarding traffic signs? Endangering pedestrians? Having too much fun?
Nope.
Inappropriately-dressed women use the bike lane. Of course, among a highly conservative religious community, “inappropriately-dressed” could mean wearing shorts. Hide those knees, girls.
From the NY Post:
“I have to admit, it’s a major issue, women passing through here in that dress code,” said Simon Weisser, a member of Community Board 1 in Williamsburg-Greenpoint. “It bothers me, and it bothers a lot of people.”
Call me crazy, but I don’t think the beliefs of one religious group should dictate public policy, especially when it endangers thousands of people.
There is hope, however. The friendly folks down at Transportation Alternatives are fighting to keep the Bedford Avenue bike lane. As they write:
“Bad things happen to good bike lanes. We learned that the hard way when the Department of Transportation, citing a need for “adjustments to the cycling network,” ripped out a 14-block stretch of the Bedford Avenue bike lane earlier this week.
Of course, the only adjustment they’ve succeeded in making is one that endangers thousands of Williamsburg Bridge bike commuters.
…While we fight City Hall, we urge you to keep cycling safely on Bedford Avenue. Remember your Biking Rules: whether there is a bike lane or not, cyclists have a legal right to the road; ride respectfully with friends; and stay civil. We’ll be fighting to take care of the rest.”
But, as the DOT taketh away, the DOT also giveth. This bad news came as I was preparing to praise the recent bike lane and ramp additions on the Manhattan side of the Williamsburg bridge, where bikers have long had to compete with dangerous Delancey traffic. There are two new ramps on each side at the entrance of the bridge, as well as a third ramp with a bike greenway leading up the bridge from Suffolk. Hooray!
Read more:
Gothamist: city to remove 14 blocks of bedford bike lane
Gothamist: Hasids say cyclists too sexy for bike lanes
7. December 2009 at 12:12 pm :
Wow…I’ve heard about those complaints for a while now. I had no idea they could be that concerned or powerful as to get the lanes removed. So dumb.
7. December 2009 at 8:38 pm :
Thanks for a great blog post, Travis. This is very upsetting. What are we going to do about it?
8. December 2009 at 4:07 pm :
That’s outrageous. What about women WALKING through the neighborhood? Why not set up barricades and checkpoints, Mr. Weisser? This guy just took ownership of something — and I mean the community, not even the bike lane — that can’t be, or shouldn’t be able to be, owned. I’m disappointed.
14. December 2009 at 1:43 pm :
Nicole: we keep riding Bedford and encourage others to continue also. As TA said, we have the right to the road, whether there is a bike lane or not. For me (and many others it seems), it’s the closest and most direct to a Manhattan-bound bridge (W’Burg). We support TA, and let the DOT know they messed up.
I don’t think it will change much it terms of bike traffic because the city isn’t very bike friendly, and those that ride now, ride anywhere we want anyway. However, this is a step backwards in terms of making New York a city where everyone who wants to can ride safely.
It looks like some folks have taken it upon themselves to repaint the lane in the meantime. http://gothamist.com/2009/12/07/sources_cops_nab_men_trying_to_repa.php
5. January 2010 at 12:55 am :
I worked in a bike rental place here in Montreal, and we rented to a lot of orthodox Jewish tourists from New York state. I was constantly telling them to tuck in their titzels and for the women to pat the back of their skirts before mounting. Talk about inappropriate dress.