Community Leaders Push to Reroute the Bike Lane in Meeting with NYC DOT

Rabbi David Neiderman (UJO) and Rabbi Moshe Indig (WJCC) met yesterday with NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to follow up on safety concerns raised during Mayor Eric Adams’ Public Safety Town Hall in Williamsburg.

Rabbi Indig reported that over 17 children were struck by bikers in just three blocks—an area where 1,200 children walk to school daily. “Pedestrian injuries have increased—it’s a major concern,” he said.

Community leaders proposed rerouting the Bedford Avenue bike lane at Dekalb Avenue to Classon Avenue, creating a safer option for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Rabbi Niederman emphasized: “We care for everyone's safety, but, as the Mayor said, not all neighborhoods are suited for protected bike lanes. We have to use common sense. Children walk these streets every day to get to school, and bikers also need safe routes. Before the protected bike lane was installed, we haven't had these types of crashes into kids. Since then, multiple children have been struck, which clearly shows it’s not working. We presented a plan to reroute to safer streets, and we ask that it should be implemented.”

DOT officials are reviewing the community’s proposal, and further discussions are expected. Rabbi Indig thanked Commissioner Rodriguez for his commitment to safety and continued dialogue, and also thanked Pinny Ringel for organizing the meeting.