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

Opponents Sue City Over Prospect Park West Bike Lane

Opponents of the Prospect Park West bike lane have filed a lawsuit against the city in relation to the project, according to the New York City Law Department. The suit, which has been threatened for a month, was filed at the end of the day today in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Download it here.

The bulk of the legal complaint is dedicated to attacking the Prospect Park West bike lane and the behavior of the DOT, with section headings like "The Ultimate Oxymoron: DOT's Campaign to Justify the EBL As A 'Traffic Calming' Measure."

The complaint spends pages cataloguing disrespectful things said by bike lane supporters in online comment sections, including in Streetsblog's comments section, and ominously noting that "at least one DOT official is registered as "friends" with pro-bike-lane lobbyists on social media sites."

The more strictly legal argument shows up at the end of the complaint and takes three main tacks. It argues that DOT acted in an "arbitrary and capricious" manner, with conclusions made irrationally or in bad faith. It argues that the bike lane did not properly go through the necessary processes given the landmarked status of the Park Slope neighborhood and Prospect Park. And finally, it argues that an environmental review was necessary to assess the impact of the lane on the historic character of the area.

We'll have more on the lawsuit tomorrow. Read it yourselves and let us know what you think in the comments.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Pedestrian on Bedford Av. Hours Before Long-Stalled Safety Redesign Begins

The driver was traveling so quickly that the victim was tossed high in the air before landing back on the car hood and being tossed to the side of the road as the killer drove off.

October 11, 2024

Manhattanites To DOT: Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path ‘Without Delay’

"It’s really inappropriate for the DOT to delay," said one member of Manhattan Community Board 6.

October 11, 2024

Council Seeks to Force DOT to Build 175 E-Bike Charging Hubs 

A new bill would force the DOT to build over 100 charging hubs, but will it be enough to keep up with demand?

October 11, 2024

Friday Video: A Vision for West 72nd Street

Maybe someday, a roadway that devotes 88 percent of its space to a tiny minority of users (drivers) could finally work for everyone. We can dream, can't we?

October 11, 2024

Friday’s Headlines: Yes, We Will Mention the Yankees Edition

We are praying for the first Subway Series since 2000. Plus other news.

October 11, 2024
See all posts