The New York City Department of Transportation on Tuesday said that construction will begin this week on a new protected bicycle lane and major safety enhancements along Bedford Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
The 1.5-mile project will also include pedestrian islands to improve visibility and reduce crossing distances, as well as new loading zones to maintain curbside access, according to a press release.
“The addition of a parking-protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue will create a critical cycling link in an area where bicycle ridership is booming, while making the road safer for everyone—whether you’re walking, biking, or traveling by car,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
The agency plans to complete the project by the end of the year and the redesign is part of the city's Vision Zero initiative, aimed at reducing traffic fatalities.
Bedford Avenue, a Vision Zero Priority Corridor, has been the site of five pedestrian fatalities since 2020 and is notorious for vehicular speeding.
Cycling is on the rise in nearby neighborhoods, with Brooklyn Community Board 3 reporting more than 4,000 Citi Bike members and 494,000 Citi Bike trips originating in 2022.
“Bedford Avenue has been among Brooklyn’s most dangerous corridors for too long,” said Council Member Che Ossé. “This project is a win for everyone: As Bedford becomes safer, more people will choose to commute via bicycle, reducing pollution and congestion.”
Crews will begin milling Bedford Avenue between Dean Street and Lafayette Avenue this week, the first step in the multi-week redesign process.
“This much-needed protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue will help smooth transportation through Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights,” said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest.
The redesign of Bedford Avenue is expected to be completed by year-end.
