Red Hook Gets New Bike Lanes
The paint was still drying on some new bike lanes we spied in Red Hook earlier this week. The lanes stretch from the part of Bay Street next to the rec center and around to Clinton Street, reaching all the way to the BQE. They’re part of the DOT’s initiative to section off street space…
The paint was still drying on some new bike lanes we spied in Red Hook earlier this week. The lanes stretch from the part of Bay Street next to the rec center and around to Clinton Street, reaching all the way to the BQE. They’re part of the DOT’s initiative to section off street space for bikers stretching from Prospect Lefferts Gardens through Park Slope’s 9th Street, all the way down to the Red Hook waterfront. Park Slope residents mounted plenty of opposition to the 9th Street lanes, but as far as we know, the Hook’s lanes were controversy-free. They certainly seem to make a lot of sense given the plentiful car traffic coming off the BQE. Any Red Hookers feel differently?
Even if bike lanes do little to provide extra space on the street for bikers, at least the sight of them raises awareness of the fact that there are actually other things besides cars on the streets. And the more drivers are aware of and look out for bikes, the less accidents there will be, and the more people will be encouraged to ride their bikes.
I’m not really sure who could honestly oppose things that make bike riding easier in this city. Riding bikes is healthier for you, and cuts down on pollution, traffic jams and overcrowding on public transportation for everyone else. What on earth is not to like?
I heard that the fine folks on 9th Street objected to the bike lanes because it would mean they would get bigger parking tickets when they were caught double-parking to unload their groceries. Honestly.
I don’t really understand what a bike lane is supposed to do for you. Is it just a politically correct gesture? Bikes will still weave back and forth between vehicles and vehicles will drive on whatever portion of road they manage to find unblocked. The bike lanes along the curb make the least sense as that is where trucks and cars park and unload. The ones that are painted bright green in historic district are not only useless but ugly. What next? Baby stroller lanes? Wheelchair only lanes?
3:22 You make no sense. Bike lanes work when the public is educated about them-Cyclist, pedestrians and motorist. Like I stated @ 3:14 bike lanes are problematic but are still better for the INEXPERIENCED rider/commuter than a raw street. There will be a new bike line (recessed) with a physical barrier on 9th ave. between 23 and 14th I beleive, check Transportation Alternatives for more info, this type of lane seems over the top but it may work. We cyclist need all the help we can get.
My prediction: NYC will get lots of bike lanes because it considers itself progressive, and then a whole lot of bicyclists will die as a result.
Bike lanes don’t work well in a place like this. I’m a total fan of bike lanes, but not where they’re gonna kill the people riding bikes.
2:38-You will be useless once AY is built. Bike lanes tend to give you a false sense of security but are needed in any city that considers itself progressive.NYC is way behind.
Bike lanes will be worthless once AY is built.
As a Red Hook resident and long-standing bike commuter, I’m glad to finally see some bicycle lanes in the neighborhood. A lot people bike to the pool and to dine at the ballfields.
My colleagues at work refer to these as “suicide lanes”.
This Bike lane will be worthless once AY is Built