This Week: One More Chance to Defend the PPW Bike Lane

If you want to relive the excitement of last October’s rally for the redesigned Prospect Park West, when supporters swamped the opposition, or if you couldn’t make the rally and wish you had the chance to stand with other Brooklynites who support safer streets, we have good news. There is one more public forum to support the new PPW, stand up to its opponents, and show your appreciation for NYC DOT’s efforts to calm traffic while creating room for safer biking and walking.

This Thursday, DOT will present its final report on the effects of the redesign to the transportation committee of Brooklyn Community Board 6. We know from the preliminary data that the street redesign has curbed dangerous speeding without causing congestion. We know from the survey data collected by the local City Council members that the project enjoys broad public support. Still, a small but well-organized group of bike lane opponents want to go back to the old speedway configuration, and they weren’t shy about speaking up at the last CB meeting on the project.

You can expect more reporters, microphones and cameras to be trained on the event this Thursday when DOT presents its data. Supporters need to pack the room and make a strong demonstration that Brooklynites want their streets to stay safer.

Also on the calendar this week:

• Wednesday: Manhattan CB 4 discusses the results of DOT’s Safe Streets for Seniors Program, as well as the potential for pop-up cafés in the area. 6:30 p.m.
• Also Wednesday: NYMTC presents its recommendations for the Canal Street area and hears public input twice on Wednesday. They’ll be downtown at 3:00 p.m. and in Chinatown at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday: The main event. Head down to the Old First Reformed Church (729 Carroll Street at Seventh Avenue) to hear DOT’s findings on the new Prospect Park West and support the redesign. 6:30 p.m.

Keep an eye on the calendar for updated listings. Got an event we should know about? Drop us a line.