We, the undersigned residents of the vicinity of 53rd Ave between Bell Blvd and 188th Street and Oceania Street between Horace Harding and 48th Avenue, voice our strong concerns and opposition towards the proposed bike lanes in our cherished neighborhood. Our objections are rooted in the following points:

Removal of Street Parking: The prospective bike lanes stand to diminish essential street parking, resulting in significant inconvenience for residents and visitors. This threatens property values and compromises the day-to-day functionality of our area.

Safety Concerns: Our community-specific safety statistics do not validate the need for these bike lanes. Their introduction could inadvertently lure car vandals and thieves, jeopardizing the peace we've long enjoyed. Additionally, reduced visibility due to these lanes increases the risk of accidents for cars exiting driveways.

Lack of Transparency: The city's communication has been notably lacking. Decisions were made without adequately informing or consulting residents, leading to unexpected signage and subsequent confusion. Furthermore, the ongoing work on the bike lanes, without appropriate notice, has caused issues with vehicle relocation and unwarranted towing.

Community Feedback: The consensus was evident at the recent Community Board 11 meeting. A significant majority of residents either outright oppose the lanes or call for a plan that better caters to parking needs.

Community Needs vs Implementation: A marked discrepancy exists between the community's needs and the proposed lanes. We urge a detailed study to compare the utility of bike lanes against vehicular parking needs. Historically, our streets have seamlessly accommodated both bikes and cars.

NYS Statute and Community Well-being: We believe there's a compelling challenge against this proposal under the NYS statute, which permits objections to governmental actions viewed as arbitrary or unjust. This implementation neither champions the predominant well-being nor garners extensive support within our community.

Given these concerns, we emphatically urge city officials and the Department of Transportation to:

Pause the ongoing installation of bike lanes and "No Stopping" signs immediately.

Reevaluate and Revise the current plan. Considering alternative strategies highlighted in previous discussions and expert suggestions is crucial. Solutions like bike lanes constructed along major arterials and the exploration of elevated bike lanes on viaducts should be front and center. These options not only address parking and traffic concerns but also promise enhanced safety for cyclists, allowing them seamless transit over intersections.

Engage More Deeply with the community to ensure that future developments are not just top-down decisions but co-created solutions that resonate with those who live and breathe in the neighborhood daily.

By heeding these calls, we believe a more harmonious, safe, and community-friendly solution can be realized.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Please support our GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2c2f83a5