Brad Lander: PPW Redesign Process Was Open, Transparent, and Democratic

Before today’s proceedings in Brooklyn Supreme Court, Council Member Brad Lander led a rally in support of the Prospect Park bike lane out in front of the court building, explaining the lengthy public process that preceded the installation of the redesign. Streetfilms’ Robin Smith brings us the highlights.

Every day in court is an opportunity for NBBL attorney Jim Walden to fling wild accusations at NYC DOT for installing a bike lane that was requested and approved by the local community board. The amicus briefs filed by Lander and former Brooklyn Community Board 6 chair Richard Bashner are a dose of reality for anyone who’s just tuning in to this story: They lay out all the public meetings that identified the need for traffic calming and better biking conditions on PPW, all the hearings where DOT’s redesign was presented to the public, all the votes in favor of the bike lane and the adjustments DOT has pursued since striping it, and all the opinion data showing broad public support for the project.

“There’s no losers here,” said CB 6 member Gary Reilly at today’s rally. “Even those who oppose the bike lane will benefit from the shorter crossings, slower traffic, and the safety this project represents.”