Manhattan Community Board 7 approved a resolution Tuesday in support of protected bike lanes for the Upper West Side. According to Streetsblog readers who attended and the Westside Independent web site, a mostly positive discussion on the merits of such improvements -- in front of a packed house of residents wearing "Protected Bike Lanes Protect Everyone" stickers -- preceded a 28-7 vote. Here's the reso in full:
Protected bike lanes have brought measurable safety improvements to other neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Many members of the Upper West Side public, business community, and elected officials have all expressed support for protected bike lanes in petitions, surveys, letters, and public testimony.
Community Board 7 wishes to encourage safe responsible cycling in, to, and from this district.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Community Board 7/Manhattan supports the Department of Transportation's initiative to create protected bike lanes and requests that DOT prepare a proposal for Class 1 protected bike lanes on Amsterdam Avenue and Columbus Avenue (including information on projected impacts on: bike safety, pedestrian safety, business operations and interests, parking, truck traffic etc.) that would be subject to review and comment by Community Board 7.
We also have word that Community Board 8 unanimously approved a "pro-bike" resolution last night. More details on this jarring development as they become available.
