As a candidate for City Council in District 22, many of my neighbors have voiced concerns to me directly regarding bike lanes and Citi bike docking stations removing parking spaces- many of whom feel decisions are being made without their knowledge or consent.

I’d like to start a conversation and propose a common sense alternative that works for everyone in our neighborhood. 

Like many of our neighbors, I don’t live near the subway and I am also a parent. I own a bike and a car, and I respect cyclists and care about safety in our streets for pedestrians and cyclists and pollution- and encourage cycling as a healthy and economical way to travel. For many individuals however, cycling is not the best option, or an option at all. Due to COVID-19, many individuals fear public transportation and need a vehicle- including essential workers who rely on their cars to get to work, elderly individuals, immunocompromised individuals, those that live in a transportation desert, visually or physically impaired individuals and parents that need a vehicle to transport their family. We cannot continue to eliminate parking without negatively impacting working class people that can't afford to pay for a parking spot, and without proper vetting of the best locations for docking stations and bike lanes with area small businesses and residents in mind.

After speaking with members of the community, this is what I am proposing our current elected officials do:

1. Require that prior to installing Citi Bike docking stations, bike lanes or street closures, area residents and local business owners be given at least a 60 day notice and  information of the Community Board hearing so they can properly voice their concerns

2. Find alternative places for Citi Bike platforms without first eliminating more parking, such as near public parks or on larger sidewalks

3. Limit Citi Bike docking stations currently on residential street to 10 instead of 19 slots to eliminate less parking in the future

4. Suspend 4 day alternate parking and replace it with 2 day per week alternate side parking

5. Freeze meter parking rate increases for at least 2 years

During these difficult times, we must all work together to build a sustainable city- but we must not do so without taking into consideration the needs of area residents, families, the elderly, essential workers, and small businesses. I do believe that together, we can come up with solutions that will benefit everyone and offer balance to cyclists,  individuals that drive vehicles and pedestrians alike- but I do not believe eliminating parking or charging more at parking meters is a fair solution- especially during a global pandemic. 

Please sign on to show your support for a common sense solution that works for all of our residents- your voice can make a difference by creating a truly just and equitable city. 

Grace & Grit,

 

Felicia Kalan

Candidate for City Council

District 22 (Parts of Astoria, East Elmhurst, Woodside, Rikers Island and Jackson Heights)