New School Loading Zones Introduced on Bedford Avenue in Response to Safety Concerns

By Williamsburg 365 Staff

In response to growing concerns from the Williamsburg community about safety issues surrounding the Bedford Avenue bike lane, the NYC Department of Transportation DOT has implemented new school loading zones.

These zones, located along Bedford Avenue between Dekalb Avenue and Flushing Avenue, aim to provide a safer environment for students and pedestrians during busy school hours.

The changes come after several incidents raised alarm about the interactions between cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles in the area. Notably, the protected bike lane, introduced as part of a broader effort to improve transportation infrastructure, sparked debate among residents who felt it posed risks in a neighborhood filled with children and families.

The newly introduced school loading zones include:

• Dedicated School Bus Zones: Four designated areas for buses to pick up and drop off students, ensuring these operations occur away from bike and vehicular traffic.
• Restricted Standing Hours: The zones are marked with "No Standing 7 AM - 4 PM Except Saturday" signage to keep these areas clear for bus use.