UPPER WEST SIDE — Some Upper West Siders say bike lanes have ruined their neighborhood — and on Tuesday night, they may find out whether that's actually the case.
Officials from the Department of Transportation and City Councilwoman Gale Brewer's office are scheduled to present data on the Columbus Avenue bike lane, which was installed a year ago, at Community Board 7's Transportation Committee meeting at 7 p.m.
The "protected lane" allows cyclists to cruise Columbus Avenue from West 96th Street to 77th Street in an area that's separated from traffic by a wall of parked cars. Installing it required a major reconfiguration of the avenue that knocked out dozens of parking spots, added medians and landscaping, and narrowed traffic lanes.
Cyclists heralded the lane as a vast safety improvement that will encourage more New Yorkers to use bikes. But some locals complained that the lane disrupted truck deliveries for businesses and created hazards for pedestrians.
At Tuesday's meeting, DOT officials are expected to present data on accidents, how many cyclists use the lane, and how the lane has affected vehicle traffic. Brewer will also present findings from a recent survey measuring neighborhood reaction to the lane. The councilwoman's survey asked participants whether they thought the bike lane has improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
This isn't the first time officials have tried to measure the impact of the Columbus Avenue bike lane.
In February, Community Board 7 leaders, Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and Brewer surveyed Columbus Avenue business owners about the new lane, unveiling a list of recommended fixes for the lane.
Community Board 7's transportation committee meets at 7 p.m. on the second floor of 250 W. 87th Street.
