Carroll Gardens cyclists dodge cars blocking busy bike lane
Cyclists say blocked bike lanes have become a recurring problem along the corridor, leaving riders with little choice but to merge into busy streets alongside cars and trucks.
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A car sits in the middle of a Brooklyn bike lane as workers change its tire — just one example, cyclists say, of the daily hazards forcing riders out of protected lanes and into moving traffic.
“I see a lot of parked cars here, all the time and I don't know why the cars are park in bike lane - it's not a good thing,” said Renee, who lives nearby.
Cyclists say blocked bike lanes have become a recurring problem along the corridor, leaving riders with little choice but to merge into busy streets alongside cars and trucks.
“Sometimes these guys are right in the middle of the lane while these people are trying to cross over here. If you don't know, you can get into a bad accident over here,” said Ben Hernandez.
According to 311 data, there have already been 21 illegal parking complaints reported at the location this year alone. But the owner of a neighborhood tire shop says the recently installed bike lane has made it harder for businesses like his to operate.
“I don't know if we can do anything between the city and the shop, so we can help together - because we need to work,” said Francisco, whose business has been in the neighborhood for more than 35 years.
Residents say they understand the needs of local businesses, but worry the blocked lanes are creating dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
“They really need to do something about it,” Renee said.
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, it is illegal for vehicles to drive, park, or stop in a bike lane. Violators can face fines of up to $115.
