The PPW Bike-Lane Lawsuit is a Reality
The lawsuit over the Prospect Park West bike lane that’s been threatened for about a month has now been filed, and it asserts that the city acted “arbitrarily” in installing the lane and that it should be removed. Streetsblog, which has a link so you can download the filing in its entirety (PDF here), says…
The lawsuit over the Prospect Park West bike lane that’s been threatened for about a month has now been filed, and it asserts that the city acted “arbitrarily” in installing the lane and that it should be removed. Streetsblog, which has a link so you can download the filing in its entirety (PDF here), says the following about the meat and potatoes of the suit: “It argues that DOT acted in an ‘arbitrary and capricious’ manner, with conclusions made irrationally or in bad faith. It argues that the bike lane did not properly go through the necessary processes given the landmarked status of the Park Slope neighborhood and Prospect Park. And finally, it argues that an environmental review was necessary to assess the impact of the lane on the historic character of the area.” The Times’ story on the lawsuit, meanwhile, notes the political connections of the group behind the filing, who have “close ties to Iris Weinshall, the city’s transportation commissioner from 2000 to 2007 and the wife of Senator Charles E. Schumer” and that they’ve “produced e-mail correspondence…[seeking] to portray…an effort by the Transportation Department to coordinate criticism of the lane’s opponents.” A DOT spokesman tells the newspaper that the data it has released on how the lane has made Prospect Park West safer is legit. The lawsuit names the DOT and, separately, its commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, as respondents.
Lawsuit Seeks to Erase Bike Lane in New York City [NY Times]
Opponents Sue City Over Prospect Park West Bike Lane [Streetsblog]
Lawsuit Filed Over Prospect Park West Bike Lane [PS Patch]
I’m pretty sure Weiner was making a joke…
“”By cobblehiller on March 8, 2011 10:14 AM
“OY”.
I HEARD that, cobble, even over here on PPW.”
I didn’t even post “OY”.
But I will now…. OY!
Am i missing something?
Yes that PPW is approximately a mile away from Atlantic Yards; on its best day AY will have 20K visitors, of which a substantial percentage will not drive, and of those that drive few will come alone, and of those who drive, most will find PPW goes in the wrong direction….
So yes what you are missing is that AY will have a negligible effect on PPW traffic.
I am neither rich nor politically connected and joined the Neighbors for Better Bike Lanes. I get so frustrated when I see the dialogue on this issue as being pro- or anti-bike lane. I don’t see it that way at all. Cars & bikes were safety issues before the new configuration and remain so – just in different ways.
The new bike lanes certainly make it easier to ride down PPW – miss the hills up to the picnic house and tennis house area – and at a very good speed. While the risk of getting side swiped by a car has been cut there are plenty of other safety issues that remain in play. My family is happy to use the bike path now but still have to be very careful.
My main concern has always been the narrowing of the two remaining travel lanes and change in visibility on the thoroughfare. There is not much room for maneuver at any speed – slow or fast. I’ve seen many “incidents” since the new configuration and I’m concerned. I’ve lived on PPW for over 20Yrs and have felt very badly for those who have had the fender benders and mirror sideswipes that I’ve personally seen. I’m not sure if those types of “incidents” were counted as “accidents” in the DOT report (I’ve asked for more clarification) but if so, then I saw a large number of them which seems a bit hard to believe, but I suppose it is possible.
Another concern I have is about the cyclists at each of the crosswalks – speed bumps may help but I’m really not sure how that will work. I think that cyclists have to do a better job of following rules of the road. (Just as NY pedestrians can do a better job of crossing streets!!)
My son’s school had a “bike to school” day this fall and that is what you do to build a community of cyclists… They had safety workshops and went over the rules of cycling safely. I hope that they do this regularly (and even a few times a year!) With programs like that we can build a community of cyclists who can really use a safe and sound cycling routes across our city.
Better Bike Lanes not NO Bike Lanes. Most sincerely.
quote:
Close your eyes and imagine all the sporting events and concerts you’ve attended your whole life, and then imagine unleashing those thoughtful people on park slope on a daily basis.
that’s gonna be fun!!
*rob*
i would have thought the PPW’ers would have liked the bike lane slowing down the traffic.
Regardless of what you think of the bike lanes in general – when the Barclays Arena at Atlantic Center opens what do they think is going to happen to their beloved PPW? Close your eyes and imagine all the sporting events and concerts you’ve attended your whole life, and then imagine unleashing those thoughtful people on park slope on a daily basis.
I’d love to hear what their 5 year goal is for this lawsuit. Even if you’re against the bike lane, doesn’t it seem to be cutting off your nose to spite your face?
Do NIMBYS really want PPW to become the Atlantic Center Raceway? I’m envisioning a typical 4th ave gridlock after an event spurring the “wait, i have a shortcut” geniuses.
Am i missing something?
Is there any beef to the anti-bike lane argument? I don’t get it at all. But clearly some people are worked up about… something. Can anyone say what?
This bike lane got more review than Atlantic Yards.
DH, what did Anthony Weiner say???