Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

The Williamsburg Bike Lane Flap: Beyond “Hipster vs. Hasid”

hasid_pic.jpgWhen the New York Post ran a story last week about the opposition of Williamsburg's Hasidic community to bike lanes that pass through their neighborhood, the main beef was supposedly about the "immodest" dress of female cyclists. But just like similar uproars in years past, the underlying objections may have less to do with bare shoulders than with the mere presence of bikes in the street.

Here's Simon Weiser, a familiar source in these stories, as quoted in the Jerusalem Post:

"The issue with modesty, it's a problem, but we live in New York, you know what I mean?" said Simon Weiser, a community board member who represents the Hasidim.

"My concern is that there are three bike lanesright next to each other and so many children, so many schools, in avery small area. Everyone understands and knows a bike lane is anuisance."

While the Jerusalem Post's headline writers stuck with the irresistible "hipsters versus Hasids" angle, commenter Zvi suggests that the bike lanes are entirely consistent with the teachings of the Talmud, which says that "whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world."

Photo: Brian Branch Price/New York Post

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Two Council Members Abandon E-Bike Registration Bill After Divisive Hearing

Council members Chi Ossé and Yusef Salaam pulled their support of a City Council bill that seeks to register all e-bikes.

December 12, 2024

DEP Will Make Idling Complaint Videos Available Online for Violators

The Department of Environmental Protection hopes increased transparency will spur more companies to plead guilty to idling violations without demanding a trial.

December 12, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Ghost Car Update Edition

It's not all bad news out there! Sure, the City Council may restrict e-bike use, but the mayor's initiative against ghost cars is gaining speed. Plus other news.

December 12, 2024

Better Buses Will Be Big for Business on Flatbush: Report

Mayor Adams has yet to follow through on his promise to bring bus lanes to Flatbush Avenue, where 70 percent of bus riders are going to shopping, dining or entertainment destinations.

December 12, 2024

DOT: Council E-Bike Registration Bill is Not Necessary to Make Streets Safer

Enforce existing laws. Keep redesigning the streets for safety. Hold delivery app companies accountable. But don't register electric bikes. That's what the DOT said on Wednesday.

December 11, 2024
See all posts