Jimmy Van Bramer Admits His “Mistake” on Opposing Skillman Avenue Protected Lane — And Activists Cheer
Queens Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer. Photo by Gersh Kuntzman
Queens Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer is being hailed on Thursday for admitting his "mistake" and openly discussing his regrets about the painful public process that will culminate later this year with the installation of two protected bike lanes in Sunnyside.
Van Bramer had initially called for better protection for cyclists on 43rd Avenue after deliveryman Gelacio Reyes was killed — only to back Community Board 2 when it rejected the city DOT plan. But today, he said he made a "mistake."
Early response from street safety advocates is positive:
Here is Van Bramer's full Twitter thread with more reaction below:
The posts prompted much discussion and praise among activists...
...but not from everyone, as this clearly sarcastic post shows:
Some even saw a larger message for politicians in general:
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