Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bike Lanes

Brooklyn CB Committee OKs Franklin Ave Bike Lane Shelved Since 2014

5:07 PM EST on March 9, 2017

DOT shelved a road diet for Franklin Avenue in 2014 after Brooklyn CB 9 voted against it. The agency presented a nearly-identical plan last night. Image: DOT

The transportation committee of Brooklyn Community Board 9 last night endorsed DOT’s plan to put a bike lane on Franklin Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard. Previously, DOT had installed a bike lane north of the parkway in 2014, but backed off the segment south of Eastern Parkway when CB 9 opposed it.

With the southern segment of Franklin Avenue set for repaving next month, DOT wants to restripe it with two eight-foot parking lanes, one 11-foot car lane, and a five-foot bike lane. The project would also install crosswalks at Union Street and Carroll Street. Currently the seven-block stretch has two moving lanes, but they're so narrow that drivers tend to drive down the middle of the road.

The same redesign has made the section of Franklin north of Eastern Parkway safer. Since the bike lane was installed in 2014, traffic injuries have fallen 44 percent north, compared to 28 percent in the area without a bike lane.

CB 9 has been roiled by three years of intense debate over a proposed rezoning, and last night's meeting was no exception. But in between a few heated moments, DOT reps patiently responded to questions and listened to suggestions about how to improve communication between the agency and the board.

Ultimately, six committee members voted in favor of the project and four abstained.

The project goes to the full board at its March 28 meeting.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Company That Fought McGuinness Safety Project Wants to Seize Bklyn Street for Private Backlot

Broadway Stages to Greenpoint residents: "Street safety for me, not for thee."

March 28, 2024

SEE IT: Hit-and-Run Driver With Fake Plate Seriously Injures Cyclist

The 5 p.m. crash occurred at Flushing and Waverly avenue near the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

March 28, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Shakira Shakira Edition

Pop superstar Shakira performed for a crowd of 40,000 packed into the Times Square pedestrian plazas. Plus congestion pricing news and more.

March 28, 2024
See all posts