Politics Trump Sanity in Bedford Bike Lane Battle
If you’re looking for a sign of the Hasidic community’s political clout in this town, look no further than the removal of 14 blocks of bike lanes on Bedford Avenue in South Williamsburg yesterday. As reported on both Gothamist and StreetsBlog, DOT was out sandblasting off the white lines that used to protect bikers on…
If you’re looking for a sign of the Hasidic community’s political clout in this town, look no further than the removal of 14 blocks of bike lanes on Bedford Avenue in South Williamsburg yesterday. As reported on both Gothamist and StreetsBlog, DOT was out sandblasting off the white lines that used to protect bikers on this central thoroughfare through North Brooklyn. As you may recall, the matter first reared its head last summer when some members of the local Hasidic community protested the bike lane on the grounds that some of the bicyclists who frequented it were too scantily clad; another argument floated against the bike lane had to do with “the large number of schools, stores and religious institutions.” StreetsBlog notes that the Mayor reportedly cut several deals with the leaders of the Hasidic community to gain their support. Circumstantially it looks like this was one of them.
City To Remove 14 Blocks Of Bike Lanes On Bedford Ave. [Gothamist]
DOT Sandblasts 14 Blocks of Bike Lane [StreetsBlog]
Photo by Elizabeth Press
bike riding doesn’t have to work up a sweat, and if you’re in reasonable shape you will not sweat.
As for the taxes you mentioned, lets examine the environmental benefits of the bike vs. the car. Never mind the CO-emissions-tree-hugger crap. Just compare the number of bikes it takes rolling over a patch of asphalt before you wear it down vs. the number of cars. Also remember the noise pollution and the general danger of cars.
As a public entity on public property that serves everyone around BUT them, I think the bike lane should stay. After all, doesn’t the bike lane help hipsters leave the area faster, too?
I just don’t think it’s very feasible for most people given how far they work and dress codes at their places of work. I could just imagine the restroom at work filled with people changing from their bike clothes to business casual at once, or better yet getting their slacks and suit pants caught in the bike chain. I guess if I worked in a bar in Williamsburg I would bike to work.
I’m all for naked hipster girls protesting however. Btw, if they ask I’m on THEIR side…
am glad this happened. enough with the bike lanes!
agreed with Dibs and Joe
Heather: really? I never heard that about dogs
quote:
If you really want to upset them, have a dog parade. They do not like dogs. I mean no cultural offense… but it is true.
how ironic considering the women are treated like dogs 🙁
*rob*
stoep2conquer, at first I was about to ridicule your holier than thou green mentality but then I saw your comment about driving out hipsters.
JfB:
bike riding doesn’t have to work up a sweat, and if you’re in reasonable shape you will not sweat.
As for the taxes you mentioned, lets examine the environmental benefits of the bike vs. the car. Never mind the CO-emissions-tree-hugger crap. Just compare the number of bikes it takes rolling over a patch of asphalt before you wear it down vs. the number of cars. Also remember the noise pollution and the general danger of cars.
As a public entity on public property that serves everyone around BUT them, I think the bike lane should stay. After all, doesn’t the bike lane help hipsters leave the area faster, too?
jfb, if you cycle as I do, slowly and calmly, you’d never break a sweat except for maybe a few weeks of over 85 deg weather.
Now I think we need a nearly-nude protest.
Posted by: cmu at December 2, 2009 10:48 AM
Oh, I’m all for the protest. Let’s see some skin!
Hey Car people who hate on bikers. you suck. The city adding all these bike lanes has been awesome for me to commute to work while being able to see the city, avoid the subways, etc.
I’m an outer borough kid, always will be. I don’t begrudge you for having a car and using it, but don’t make it harder on those of us who are trying to live in the city with out one.
And for good measure, wear one of these shirts:
http://tinyurl.com/yldcaap
If you really want to upset them, have a dog parade. They do not like dogs. I mean no cultural offense… but it is true.