Rockaway Beach Boardwalk Bicycle Ban Sparks Controversy This Summer

New Bicycle Ban on Rockaway Beach Boardwalk

• 🏖️ A new bicycle ban is being enforced on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk between Beach 108th and Beach 73rd Streets during peak summer hours.
• 🗓️ The ban will be in effect from Memorial Day weekend through October 1st.
• ⏰ Cyclists will only be permitted between 6:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays for 35 blocks of the boardwalk.

Reasons for the Ban

• ⚠️ The Parks Department cites safety and accessibility as the primary reasons, aiming to prevent accidents caused by speeding bikes endangering pedestrians.
• ⚡ Concerns are raised about the danger posed by electric bikes specifically, though the ban applies to all bicycles.
• 🚗 The city intends to redirect cyclists to the designated bike lane on Shorefront Parkway.

Community Reactions and Opposition

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Many residents, like Ronald Joseph who bikes with his grandkids, feel the ban disrupts their enjoyment of the boardwalk and is not conducive for those who use it regularly.
• 🗣️ Community board member John Corey proposes alternative solutions like staggered barriers and encouragement for safe riding, rather than outright enforcement.
• 🙅‍♀️ Some residents argue that comparing Rockaway Beach to other locations like Coney Island or Orchard Beach is inappropriate due to its unique characteristics.

Potential for Compromise

• 💬 Council member Joanne Areola believes the Parks Department is amenable to discussion and anticipates positive dialogue.
• 🤝 The majority of those interviewed hope for a compromise that respects the tradition of biking by the sea while ensuring safety.
• 🤔 There's a sentiment that a solution should accommodate various users, including children on tricycles, suggesting a need for a balanced approach.