Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Jimmy Van Bramer

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...

https://twitter.com/velo53x11/status/1022508026312515586

...but not from everyone, as this clearly sarcastic post shows:

Some even saw a larger message for politicians in general:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement

Here's a short, heartwarming film about the successes experienced this year by the livable streets movement.

December 25, 2024

And the Winners Are…: It’s Time for the 2024 Streetsie Awards!

Let's start our annual year in review series with a broad roundup of the heroes, scoundrels and debacles of 2024.

December 24, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: Green Christmas Edition

We got our Christmas presents early yesterday. Plus other news.

December 24, 2024

Congestion Pricing Dream Lives On After Two Judges Rule in MTA’s Favor

New York won two major victories in court on Monday after federal judges declined to put the skids on congestion pricing's Jan. 5 launch — and hinted that they don't think the lawsuits to stop the program will succeed.

December 23, 2024

Streetsblog Year in Review: The Biggest Sustainable Transport News of 2024

It was a busy year in the movement to end car dependency — and there's a lot more to come.

December 23, 2024
See all posts