Crashland – New bike lanes spark safety concerns at Brooklyn intersection
The city’s Department of Transportation recently installed a two-way bike lane as apart of recent safety improvement methods.
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Fort Greene residents say the intersection of Ashland Place, Myrtle Street and Navy Street is so dangerous, they've started calling it "Crashland."
The city’s Department of Transportation recently installed a two-way bike lane as apart of recent safety improvement methods.
Alexa Sledge, fellow resident and director of communications of Transportation Alternatives, agrees with the nickname.
"There is still a block that's incredibly dangerous where it suddenly turns from a two-way protected bike lane to essentially nothing for cyclists," she said.
While two-way bike lanes have provided bicyclists with a designated path to ride, neighbors say the accidents haven't slowed down.
Rachel, a longtime resident in the area, says she almost collided with both a car and bicycle at the intersection just weeks ago.
"I wasn't going fast enough for the light change and a car and a bicycle were racing to get across the intersection,” said Rachel. “I don’t feel safe."
Other residents like Dwayne Smith say the width of the bike lane also prevents emergency vehicles from efficiently driving through the street.
The Department of Transportation's most recent proposal for the two-way protected bike lanes are part of the Green Wave plan to reduce traffic accidents. The DOT will also continue piloting new designs.
