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Transportation & Environment
Request by New York City Department of Transportation for the installation of a protected bicycle lane on the east side of Fifth Avenue, between 8th and 23rd Streets.
WHEREAS, The New York City Department of Transportation ("DOT") seeks to convert the existing bicycle lane on the east side of 5th Avenue between 8th and 23rd Streets into a protected bicycle lane on the same side of the Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant seeks to increase traffic safety and efficiency; and
WHEREAS, Statistics suggest the implementation of protected bicycle lanes in other areas of the City have reduced pedestrian fatalities by 22%; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant seeks to create an extension of the existing bicycle lane on Broadway; and
WHEREAS, The proposed location straddles Community Districts 2 and 5; and
WHEREAS, Community Board 2 unanimously approved the portion of the protected bicycle lane that is located within its district boundaries; and
WHEREAS, The area within CB5 encompasses a Vision Zero "priority intersection" at 14th Street and 5th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes the installation of a "split-phase" signal at 14th Street to ensure more efficient and safe traffic flow for vehicles and bicycles attempting left turns; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes the installation of "mixing zones" to ensure more efficient and safe traffic flow for vehicles and bicycles attempting left turns at 22nd, 20th, 18th and 16th Streets; and
WHEREAS, The proposed installations would require the removal of twenty (20) parking spaces within CB5; and
WHEREAS, The proposed installations would not require the removal of any travel lanes on Fifth Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes the installation of painted pedestrian islands to reduce the walking distance and travel time for pedestrians seeking to cross 5th Avenue along the route; and
WHEREAS, Although several members of the public raised general concerns regarding the dangers to pedestrians resulting from bicyclists who ignore traffic regulations, there was general support for the proposal by members of the public; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five supports the New York City Department of Transportation's request for the installation of a protected bicycle lane on the east side of 5th Avenue, between 8th and 23rd Streets; and therefore be it further
RESOLVED, Community Board Five requests that the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York Police Department increase efforts to insure the safe and lawful use of the streets by bicycles and bicyclists, including increased enforcement of traffic laws applying to bicyclists, including, without limitation, laws relating to bicycling with the direction of vehicular traffic, stopping at red lights, and not riding on sidewalks.