NYC DOT implements safety measures on Bedford Avenue bike lanes amid community concerns

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun implementing safety enhancements to bike lanes along Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn in response to community feedback. This development comes after PIX11 News exclusively reported on the issue last week.

PIX11's Cory McGinnis recently spoke with Asher Helpert, a Williamsburg father whose son was struck by a cyclist, to gather his thoughts on the DOT's announcement.

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Helpert, still shaken by the incident, recalled, "I had some shivers going down my body." His son required 10 to 12 stitches following the collision and is now wary of bicycles. "He's very scared whenever we walk. If he sees a bike, he makes sure to move away as far as he can," Helpert explained.

The DOT's safety enhancements include mid-block loading zones, rumble strips, and visual narrowing of bike lanes. However, some residents, including Helpert, remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these changes. "I have not heard anything reasonable which will solve the problem," he stated.

Gary Schlesinger, a former member of Community Board One, emphasized that "the safety of the kids should be the number one issue." He proposed rerouting the bike lane to Classon Avenue, stating, "The only option to secure the safety of these hundreds or even some thousands of kids is to reroute on those couple of blocks from Dekalb and Bedford to reroute them into Classon Avenue."

Helpert continues to advocate for change, asserting, "This bike lane needs to get another route."

Community members have gathered over 3,000 signatures on a petition to modify the new bike lane on Bedford Avenue. For more information on the petition,.