Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycle Infrastructure

You Had One Job: Schermerhorn Street Repaving Leaves Cyclists Out of Room

Someone painted “BUMP” too widely on Schermerhorn Street between Court and Clinton streets, meaning it will have to be redone if the city restores the bike lane. Photo: Gersh Kuntzman

Here's today's metaphor for how America's car-centric culture sees cyclists: In the way.

Contractors for the Department of Transportation recently repaved Schermerhorn Street between Court and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights — but the person who restriped the roadway not only forgot to repaint the bike lane, but he or she also wrote the word "BUMP" so wide that the work will have to be done all over again if the city restores the cycling path (photo above).

Here's how the roadway looked before the repaving...

Schermerhorn Street between Court and Clinton streets before the repaving. Photo: Google Maps
Schermerhorn Street between Court and Clinton streets before the repaving. Photo: Google Maps
Schermerhorn Street between Court and Clinton streets before the repaving. Photo: Google Maps

And here's what it should look like...

This is what bike lane and "BUMP" paint should look like. Photo: Gersh Kuntzman
This is what bike lane and "BUMP" paint should look like. Photo: Gersh Kuntzman

The city should restore the bike lane to Schermerhorn Street between Court and Clinton streets because it is a key route around the mess of Downtown Brooklyn, linking riders from Smith Street to the Clinton Street bike path (see map below):

BH bike map

After this story was published, a DOT spokesperson said, "A work order for this site has been placed and the bike lane will be repainted soon."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Delay By Design: ‘Major Transportation’ Law Still Gums Up Street Safety Projects

A law from the 2000s bikelash still makes it harder to make streets safer.

December 15, 2025

State Pol’s ‘Manhattan Safety Plan’ Emphasizes Daylighting and Protecting Bike Lanes

A new safety plan from State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez puts the streets front and center.

December 15, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Dining Dash Edition

A report from Hell's Kitchen shows the scale of the collapse of the city's outdoor dining program. Plus more news.

December 15, 2025

Opinion: Sean Duffy’s ‘Golden Age’ of Dangerous Streets

Sean Duffy is calling for a "golden age" of civility in American travel. He should start by ending barbaric policies that get people killed on the ground and in the skies.

December 15, 2025

Oonee, The Bike Parking Company, Files Formal Protest After DOT Snub

Brooklyn bike parking start-up Oonee is calling foul play on the city's selection of another company for its secure bike parking program.

December 12, 2025

OPINION: I’m Sick Of Unsafe 31st Street And The Judge Who Killed Our Shot at Fixing It

An Astoria mom demands that the city appeal Judge Cheree Buggs's ruling ordering the removal of the 31st bike lane.

December 12, 2025
See all posts