Page 27 - The Indian EYE 051526

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 15, 2026 | The Indian Eye 27

while keeping us all moving. I com- boulevards on these critical arteries. fight for the best, safest, most com- bringing bike boulevard treatments
mend Mayor Mamdani for investing Thanks to all the parents, caregivers prehensive upgrades to both Bergen to Bergen and Dean Streets!” said
in safety improvements on the Ber- and kids who’ve been fighting for and Dean Streets.” Eric McClure, Executive Director
gen and Dean Corridors as part of safer passage for cyclists on Bergen of StreetsPAC. “The paired streets
his larger plan of action to ensure and Dean Streets, and all across our “At Bike New York, we see ev- have long been one of Brooklyn’s
safer streets.” community.” key bike-commuting routes, and
“My office has been deeply in- “Today’s announcement is a great ery day how safe streets open during many parts of the day, bikes
volved in the negotiations around step forward for people who walk the door for more people — are the predominant mode of trav-
the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use and bike in Brooklyn,” said Ben Fur- el along the corridor – especially on
Plan, and the Bergen and Dean cor- nas, Executive Director of Transpor- especially kids — to ride with Wednesday mornings when dozens
ridor redesign is a direct part of that tation Alternatives. “For years, our confidence,” said Ken Podziba, of kids and their chaperones ride the
plan coming to life,” said Council activists have been fighting for a bike incredibly popular Bergen Bike Bus.
Member Chi Ossé. “Protected bike boulevard along the critical east-west CEO of Bike New York. We’re grateful to Mayor Mamdani
lanes and safe infrastructure can- route of Bergen and Dean Streets, and Commissioner Flynn for prior-
not be luxuries. They are what our and we’re excited this critical proj- “New Yorkers deserve a con- itizing these crucial safety upgrades
riders, our kids, our seniors and ev- ect has finally reached the planning nected network of safe, low-stress on Bergen and Dean.”
eryday New Yorkers deserve on city process. As always, we’ll keep orga- routes, and Bergen and Dean Streets “If a street is safe enough for a
streets. Council Member Crystal nizing for the most ambitious possi- are essential links for families trav- child, it’s safe for everyone. That’s
Hudson and I fought hard to make ble redesign, so that seniors, parents eling to school and for everyday the standard New York should be
this happen through the Atlantic Av- and kids alike feel comfortable and riders. Designing these corridors as building toward,” said Sara Lind,
enue Mixed Use Plan negotiations, safe biking on Bergen and Dean.” bike boulevards is a proven strategy Co-Executive Director of Open
because redesigns like this one are “My husband Ron was killed to reduce traffic, calm speeds and Plans. “Bergen and Dean Streets
exactly the kind of action this city has while riding his bike in 2016,” said prevent serious injuries. This is the are vibrant corridors with kids and
needed for far too long. Thanks to Robin Middleman, a member of kind of investment our city needs to families biking to school together;
the Mamdani administration, we are Families for Safe Streets. “Ever make streets safer and more acces- this project is an opportunity to meet
finally moving.” since, I’ve been dedicated to fight- sible for everyone. We thank Mayor that energy with design that puts
“Every day, thousands of stu- ing for better bicycle infrastructure Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn people first. Safer bike lanes, espe-
dents ride down Bergen and Dean and safe streets so no one else has for their leadership and look forward cially when paired with innovations
Streets to get to and from school on to experience this pain. As a long- to seeing a design that reflects the like school streets, plaza blocks and
streets that should be safer,” said time resident of Central Brooklyn, needs of the community.” low-traffic neighborhoods will allow
Council Member Lincoln Restler. I am eager to see this project enter “We couldn’t be more excited even more NYC families to benefit
“I applaud DOT for creating bike the planning process, and excited to at the news that NYC DOT will be from active mobility.”

www.TheIndianEYE.com