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

Brad Lander: Bring on the Prospect Park West Bike Lane

Marty Markowitz may have gummed up plans to make walking and biking in Park Slope safer and more convenient, but the Prospect Park West bike lane has a champion in the City Council. District 39 rep Brad Lander says he wants the project to move forward.

lander.jpgBrad Lander. Photo: New York City Council

"I support this project," Lander told Streetsblog. "I supported it as a member of the community board, and I continue to support it now." The council member said he also wants to see the project built with pedestrian refuges, which Brooklyn CB 6 requested as an addition to DOT's initial proposal.

Volunteers with Park Slope Neighbors clocked drivers scorching down this three-lane speedway as fast as 65 mph last summer. The addition of the bike lane would calm speeding traffic and shorten crossing distances for people walking to Brooklyn's flagship park. Park Slope Neighbors has collected more than 1,200 signatures asking for the bike lane (and converting PPW to two-way flow).

For Markowitz, apparently, those safety benefits are outweighed by the loss of a handful of parking spaces. In a letter to DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan last fall, he asked for the project to be "shelved indefinitely."

The new council member from the 39th sees things differently. Lander believes his constituents would benefit significantly from the project. "The Park Slope bike network is a good one and many people use it," he said, "but the lack of a good northbound route is kind of a key missing link, and this is the best way to provide it. If done right, with pedestrian islands, it can greatly improve not only the cycling but also the pedestrian experience."

Council Member Steve Levin, whose district includes the blocks of Prospect Park West north of Fifth Street, has not taken a position on the bike lane, according to a spokesperson. DOT didn't have an update on the status of the bike lane when we checked in last week.

Lander, for one, thinks it will get done. "I'm optimistic that DOT is going to move forward with this project," he said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Death of a Legend: Donald Shoup, Parking Reformer

The OG of understanding how "free parking" isn't free has died.

February 8, 2025

Report: Efforts to Speed Up Bus Speeds Have Stalled … Like Bus Speeds

City buses move slower than ever after Mayor Adams reneged on his commitment to build more bus lanes, according to a new analysis.

February 7, 2025

Paradigm Shift: MTA Boss Says State Should Pony Up More For Capital Plans

"Every time the MTA capital program comes up, we treat it like, 'Oh my god, they need a bailout,'" the MTA CEO said, pointing out the absurdity.

February 7, 2025

Who is Trump’s FTA Pick Marc Molinaro — And Will He Kill Congestion Pricing?

If confirmed, Trump FTA pick Marc Molinaro can do a lot to gum up funding for mass transit across the country. Here's a look at his record.

February 7, 2025
See all posts