Brooklyn Neighbors Voice Concerns Over McDonald Avenue Bike Lane Safety

Community Concerns About McDonald Avenue Redesign

• ⚠️ Residents in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, express significant concerns that the proposed bike lane on McDonald Avenue will create dangerous conditions.
• 🚗 McDonald Avenue is described as a busy, four-lane corridor currently serving as a commercial truck route, with heavy traffic including trucks, cars, buses, and ambulances.
• 🏥 The proximity of two hospitals and four schools within a short radius heightens worries about increased congestion and potential safety hazards, especially during school drop-off times.

Impact on Public Transit and Traffic Flow

• 🚌 Neighbors are concerned about the impact of reducing the four-lane road to two lanes, fearing it will slow down bus services, affecting seven MTA routes that transport a large volume of daily passengers.
• 🏫 The reduction in lanes is also a concern for school bus and MTA bus users, with fears of increased congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times.

City's Response and Safety Data

• 📊 A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation stated that similar street redesigns have historically reduced injuries or deaths by 30%.
• 🚲 The DOT aims to reduce dangerous driving and expand the protected bike network, viewing the project as a best practice for making truck routes safer.

Alternative Proposals and Next Steps

• 🗺️ A group of neighbors has proposed an alternative bike route on residential streets, suggesting it would offer more mileage of bike lanes and be significantly safer.
• 🗣️ The DOT plans to conduct further outreach with residents and will consider their feedback before finalizing any changes in Windsor Terrace.