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Locals Push for Protected Bike Lane on Flatbush Avenue Near Prospect Park

By Rachel Holliday Smith | December 10, 2016 11:06am | Updated on December 12, 2016 7:13am
 A partial rendering of what a two-way protected bike lane might look like was created by the authors of a new petition for such a roadway on Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Empire Boulevard.
A partial rendering of what a two-way protected bike lane might look like was created by the authors of a new petition for such a roadway on Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Empire Boulevard.
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Twitter/Paco Abraham

PROSPECT-LEFFERTS GARDENS — A "dangerous route" along Flatbush Avenue is in desperate need of a protected bike lane, according to a new petition gaining support from local cyclists.

The petition, signed by almost 800 people as of Saturday, asks the city to consider a two-way protected bike lane — similar to the one on Prospect Park West — from Grand Army Plaza to Empire Boulevard. 

The busy strip is "plagued by speeding vehicles," according to the petition.

"This puts people at risk as they walk and bike to Prospect Park, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and more," the petition reads.

The letter went live Dec. 1 on the Transportation Alternatives website, posted by Prospect-Lefferts Gardens residents Cal DeJesus and Paco Abraham, avid bike commuters who said they have felt unsafe cycling on Flatbush Avenue for years.

Both often ride on the street’s sidewalks to avoid speeding vehicles, DeJesus said.

"We’re afraid of being hit. There are dollar vans, MTA buses, speeding drivers,” she said. “It’s a pretty scary experience."

The petition is not the first time this year area residents pushed for changes. This spring, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams requested the Department of Transportation study traffic calming on the avenue to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, after he said he was urged by locals to tackle the issue.

When asked about the recent petition, the agency did not respond specifically to the possibility of a two-way bike lane, but said the department is currently considering various options for the avenue.

“DOT is currently working with Borough President Adams’ office and other stakeholders on possible options,” agency spokeswoman Alana Morales said.

While the agency considers those options, the city is undertaking a project to renovate the sidewalk, fencing, benches and Prospect Park entrances on Flatbush Avenue.

Given that, DeJesus hopes the timing is right to redo the roadway, as well.

"This stretch of Flatbush is surrounded by all these institutions that people come to, they walk to, they bike to," she said. "I can’t think of a better place to put a bike lane."