Proposed Bergen and Dean Street Bike Boulevard draws praise and neighborhood pushback
According to city data, nearly 130 crashes have been reported along the area so far this year, fueling calls for changes to the street design.
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Cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians navigating the Bergen and Dean street corridors say safety has become an increasingly urgent issue.
“I bike everywhere, and these streets in particular leading into Downtown Brooklyn are absolutely a mess,” cyclist Timmy Khlifa said.
Now, the city’s Department of Transportation, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is moving forward with plans for a new “Bike Boulevard” aimed at making the corridor safer for all users.
According to city data, nearly 130 crashes have been reported along the area so far this year, fueling calls for changes to the street design.
“To have a street that’s kind of safe and solid feels necessary,” Khlifa said.
The DOT says proposed designs could include shared, standard, or fully protected bike lanes, along with additional measures intended to reduce crashes and improve mobility.
But while many cyclists support the proposal, some local business owners worry the redesign could create new challenges for deliveries and parking.
“I’m all for bike lanes and bike safety, but I do know that for drivers and residents, that could impact the width of the street,” store owner Christy Davis said. “The delivery truck can’t park next to the curb because the bike lane is next to the curb, so that could be problematic.”
The debate reflects a familiar tension playing out across Brooklyn neighborhoods as the city expands cycling infrastructure while balancing the needs of businesses, drivers, and residents competing for limited street space.
Resident and cyclist Marquis Ellis said he understands concerns about parking but believes safety improvements should remain the priority.
“Getting out here to Downtown Brooklyn or anywhere like that is really hard to find parking, but if the bike lanes are protected, that gives us more safety,” Ellis said.
The DOT says the proposal would continue to accommodate vehicle access and parking while officials gather community feedback on transit needs, traffic patterns, and potential improvements before finalizing the redesign.
