A Safer Williamsburg: Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Adjustments Begin

By Williamsburg 365 Staff

Work is now underway to adjust the Bedford Avenue bike lane, following a series of legal victories for Mayor Eric Adams and months of vocal community advocacy. The reconfiguration, which stretches from Willoughby Avenue to Flushing Avenue, comes in response to growing concerns over pedestrian safety — especially after several incidents involving children.

On Wednesday night, July 30, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) began reverting the bike lane to its prior design. The project follows Mayor Adams’ June announcement and a successful court ruling declaring the change a minor modification, allowing the city to move forward despite appeals from advocacy groups such as Transportation Alternatives.

While opponents warn that the removal poses risks to cyclists, supporters within the Williamsburg community have praised the Mayor’s leadership.

“Promises made, promises kept. This is the ‘Get Stuff Done’ Mayor at his best — job well done. On behalf of the entire Williamsburg community, thank you, Mr. Mayor,” said Rabbi Moishe Indig.

"We are grateful to Mayor Adams for listening to our community and ordering the removal of the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane, work that began last night, after defeating the legal challenges. This step will help restore safety for our children, elderly, and all pedestrians crossing this busy corridor. We thank the Mayor for prioritizing the well-being of our neighborhood," said Rabbi David Niederman, president of the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn, who advocated for more than two years for this move, and raised it personally with the mayor at the recent Town Hall.

“After seeing children nearly struck by speeding cyclists, we were terrified. We’re truly thankful to Mayor Adams for taking action. This change means a safer Bedford Avenue for our families,” said Moishe Schwartz, Williamsburg Bedford Avenue Resident.

The Mayor's office told Williamsburg365: “After several dangerous incidents — many of which involved children — the Adams administration listened to the community’s concerns and moved to reconfigure the bike lane to its original model while still maintaining safety measures. Following an unnecessary back and forth, the outcome couldn’t be clearer: two separate courts have affirmed our ability to move forward with this reconfiguration. We look forward to finally being able to deliver for the families of Williamsburg.”

As work continues, the city says the redesign is intended to balance community input with overall safety, aiming to make Bedford Avenue safer for everyone — pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists alike.