Will They Never Learn?

After opponents of the bike lane on this block took down the bike lane signs, DoT put up a bigger sign. Hah!

Back in the spring of 2007, Upper East Side Cyclists cheered upon learning that DoT planned to install crosstown bike routes on East 90th and 91st Streets, linking Central Park to the East River. A glance at the NYC Cycling Map shows that, among Manhattan's 12 community districts, District 8 covering the Upper East Side has received perhaps the fewest of the 200-plus lane-miles in the city's bike lane network. Yet, more than two years after the route was installed, the controversy continues, with Department of Transportation being forced to act to keep the route open to cyclists.

Despite broad support among cyclists for the route back in the planning stages, some local residents and Community Board members opposed it, focusing on the portion of the proposed route that included a car-free, pedestrianized block on East 91st Street between Second and Third Avenues. Opponents argued that running the bike route on this block would frighten or even endanger senior citizens, children and others using the block. Opponents even went so far as to stage a "Potemkin playground" for visiting pols in an attempt to over-dramatize the potential negative impact of the proposed bike route.

DoT ultimately approved and implemented the plan, incorporating the pedestrianized block into the route. DoT apparently was swayed by the facts that arguments that a continuous East 91st Street bike lane would be safest and most efficient for cyclists, and that the steep uphill grade of the pedestrianized block precluded cyclists from proceeding along the proposed route at dangerous or startling speeds.

Dot did respond, however, to opponents' concerns that a painted lane would detract from the distinctive brickwork roadbed on the block. DoT refrained from modifying the roadbed in any way, and merely posted signs on the block stating "Bike Lane For Bicycles Only."

Opponents of the lane, however, were not satisfied and formed a "91st Street Task Force" with the apparent purpose of removing the lane. Then, the "bike lane" signs on the pedestrianized block mysteriously disappeared. Later, when construction began on the Second Avenue subway, three jersey barriers were placed at the foot of the block, preventing cyclists following the designated 91st Street bike route without using the sidewalk. DoT has replaced the middle barrier with one leaving a gap that cyclists can use, along with a very clear statement that this is a bike route.

Thanks for fixing things, DoT!