4th Avenue corridor bike lanes causing safety concerns for the community
City data shows 31 serious injuries have been reported along 4th Avenue since 2022 - a grim reminder of the risks some riders face daily.
More Stories
Stretching 6 miles through the heart of Brooklyn, 4th Avenue is known for its bustling shops, proximity to the Barclays Center and heavy traffic. But for many cyclists, it’s also a corridor filled with danger.
“The lanes are really chaotic over here, and sometimes accidents happen,” said cyclist Andy Wang.
City data shows 31 serious injuries have been reported along 4th Avenue since 2022 - a grim reminder of the risks some riders face daily.
“A lot of people don't respect the bike lanes either,” said cyclist Sam Killian. “People are parked there, drivers weave in and out, so you really have to be careful.”
4th Avenue became a Vision Zero priority corridor in 2014, leading to the addition of protected bike lanes, added greenery and other safety measures. But advocates say the street’s design hasn’t kept pace with how it’s being used today.
“We're only seeing more diverse usage of the street, but a design that's focused simply on cars - that hasn't been looked at or re-imagined in decades,” said Rose Uscianowski, Staten Island and South Brooklyn organizer for Transportation Alternatives.
The New York City Department of Transportation tells News 12 that it is "working on major bike and pedestrian improvements on 4th Avenue," hoping to advance "the success of DOT’s bike lanes with a full suite of capital upgrades." The improvements will include concrete pedestrian islands, curb extensions, grade-separated bike lanes, and other enhancements" aimed at slowing drivers down protecting people on the Avenue.
The New York City Department of Transportation adds that it is "coordinating with DDC, MTA and Con Edison to advance [the] critical project.”
