Flatbush Avenue Bike Lane Petition Surpasses 700 Signatures

CROWN HEIGHTS and LEFFERTS GARDENS, BROOKLYN — An online petition calling for a two-direction bike lane along Flatbush Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Grand Army Plaza has already surpassed its initial signature goal.

The petition is posted on the campaigns page of Transportation Alternatives, which advocates for cyclist and pedestrian safety around the city, as well as public transportation.

As of Friday, it had already collected 766 signatures, more than the 500 initially called for.

"Flatbush Avenue is a non-residential strip that is plagued by speeding vehicles because of an excessively wide roadway," the petition reads. "This puts people at risk as they walk and bike to Prospect Park, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and more."

"To ensure vehicles do not race above the speed limit, we are requesting traffic calming along this dangerous route by means of slightly narrowing the road with a two-way protected bicycle path."

The petition notes that, "A protected bike lane was already installed on the affluent western side of Prospect Park...The same should now be done for the eastern side of the park."

Petition organizers said they plan to deliver it to the offices of Councilmembers Laurie Cumbo, Brad Lander, and Mathieu Eugene, as well as Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Asked Friday if the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) had a position on the proposal, a DOT spokesperson said the agency "is currently working with Borough President Adams’ office and other stakeholders on possible options."

Pictured at top: looking north down Flatbush Avenue, from its intersection with Empire Boulevard. Image via Google Maps.