Community Board 11 Withdraws Support of East Harlem Protected Bike Lanes

Community Board 11 Withdraws Support of East Harlem Protected Bike Lanes

November 16, 2011 9:06pm | By Jeff Mays, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

click to see all pictures (4 photos)

Community Board 11 voted to rescind its support of protected bike lanes like this one on Columbus Avenue on Frist and Second avenues. (DNAinfo/Leslie Albrecht)

HARLEM — After an overwhelming vote to support the installation of protected bike lanes along First and Second avenues from 96th to 125th streets in East Harlem in September, Community Board 11 has reversed gears.

The board rescinded its support Tuesday night in a vote spearheaded by two area business owners, Frank Brija of the legendary Patsy's Pizza at 2287 First Ave. near East 116th Street, and Erik Mayor of the popular newcomer, Milk Burger, at 2056 Second Ave., near East 106th Street.

Mayor and Brija, who are also members of CB 11, feared the protected bike lanes — which will remove a lane of traffic — will create congestion and increase East Harlem's already high asthma rates.

"All the facts were not laid out for the residents and the business owners," Mayor said of the DOT bike lane plan.  "There was not enough information distributed."

Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20111116/harlem/community-board-11-withdraws-support-of-east-harlem-protected-bike-lanes?utm_content=blackcotton212%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Community%20Board%2011%20Withdraws%20Support%20of%20East%20Harlem%20Protected%20Bike%20Lanes&utm_campaign=Occupy%20Wall%20Street%20Protesters%20March%20on%20Stock%20Exchangecontent#ixzz1dyPPtGZ7