Repaint NYC bike lanes for cyclist safety

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The Issue

As a cyclist navigating the streets of Brooklyn, I tragically encountered firsthand the dangers posed by improperly positioned bicycle lanes. Twice in the last year, attempts to safely ride around parked cars in the bike lane resulted in painful falls, causing injuries that necessitated medical attention and forced me to miss work. One incident involved aggressive drivers bullying me by tailgating, while the other was due to a poorly repaired, hidden pothole.  Neither would have happened without cars blocking the bike lane.

Every day, cycling in Brooklyn subjects individuals like me to blocked bike lanes, forcing us into mainstream traffic with all its inherent dangers. These hazards undermine the very purpose of creating bike lanes which should offer a safe and protected cycling route. It's not just about inconvenience; it's about our lives and well-being.

New York City touts itself as a burgeoning cycling city, yet the design and maintenance of its bike lanes reflect a different story. Instead of constant enforcement, a practical solution lies in redesigning the bike lanes—moving them behind the space designated for parallel-parked cars. Such a carefully considered repositioning would significantly reduce bike lane blockages and eliminate the need for ongoing enforcement efforts, thus preventing accidents and trauma among cyclists.

Statistics highlight the urgency. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, there are approximately 450,000 daily bike trips in NYC. Yet, incidents involving cyclists have been on the rise, with improper placement of bike lanes being a significant contributor. By repositioning these lanes, we not only uphold city promises of safe and efficient cycling infrastructure but also foster an environment that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all.

We call upon the New York City Department of Transportation to take immediate action and prioritize the safety of cyclists by repainting all applicable bike lanes behind parallel-parked cars. We ask them to consider this initiative as part of their Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic deaths and injuries. By doing so, we are not just asking for a paint job; we are demanding a safer, more inclusive city for the thousands who choose cycling as an eco-friendly and healthy means of transport.

Join us in this quest for a safer cycling community in NYC. Sign the petition today and help make our streets a safer place for everyone on two wheels.

The Decision Makers

Zohran Mamdani
New York City Mayor

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