A Brooklyn judge has temporarily halted Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to dismantle a barrier along a section of the Bedford Avenue bike lane, maintaining the protected route pending a hearing set for August. The decision comes after a lawsuit was filed by advocacy group Transportation Alternatives and local resident Baruch Herzfeld in response to the city’s announcement.
Judge Carolyn Walker-Dialo’s ruling indicates that the city is prohibited from proceeding with any construction or activities aimed at removing the barrier. The lawsuit, lodged on Tuesday, criticizes the recent decision to transition part of the parking-protected bike lane into an unprotected painted lane as “improper” and lacking adequate legal notice.
Herzfeld, represented by attorney Peter W. Beadle, expressed satisfaction with the court’s acknowledgment of the case’s seriousness. Beadle noted that achieving a temporary restraining order requires showing that the case has merit, stating that while this does not guarantee eventual success, it suggests that the court sees value in their concerns.
City Hall responded to the ruling, asserting that temporary restraining orders are routine measures to maintain the status quo while arguments are presented. They confirmed that work on the bike lane’s removal has been paused, but emphasized that safety considerations, especially after several incidents involving injuries, prompted the decision to reconfigure the lane to its former design.
The city intended to remove a three-block segment of the parking-protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue, located between Flushing and Willoughby avenues, shortly after Adams’ announcement to adjust the bike lane’s layout. This decision, however, has generated mixed reactions from the community.
While some local residents perceived the recent changes as a necessary safety measure, others have criticized the lack of advance notice and potential risks associated with removing the bike lane. Bedford Avenue is known for its dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, leading opponents to argue that eliminating protection for cyclists could result in increased hazards.
The lawsuit contends that the Department of Transportation failed to properly assess the implications of removing the protected bike lane and did not consult adequately with local community boards first. Local Council Member Lincoln Restler highlighted in an affidavit that he had been unaware of any plans to remove the bike lane.
City officials maintain that the proposed changes resulted from community engagement aimed at refining the street layout rather than an outright removal of the bike lane. They suggested that the location of the bike lane was simply being shifted, rather than being eliminated completely.
Supporters of the bike lane celebrated the court’s decision to block its removal. Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, emphasized the group’s commitment to advocating for safer street conditions and expressed confidence in their legal footing against the city’s plan.
This ongoing legal fight illustrates the complexities of urban planning and community safety, particularly as city officials balance competing interests from various stakeholders. The upcoming court proceedings are expected to further clarify the future of the Bedford Avenue bike lane.
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