Bridge Update

Brooklyn Bridge
While DOT replaces rotting beams on the Brooklyn Bridge, cyclists must carry their bikes across the mobile bridge (left). DOT workers have been most helpful, offering aid to anyone struggling to haul their wheels up and over

The bad news: construction is expected to last two years. T.A. has requested overnight construction to speed the process and avoid disruption of rush hours.

To ask for a speedier process, WRITE TO: Tom Jeliffe, Chief Transportation Officer, NYC DOT, 40 Worth St, NYC 10013.

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City Studies Verrazano Bike Lane

After two long years, Transportation Alternatives' 1993 campaign to create a bike and pedestrian path over the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge is paying off.

The Department of City Planning (DCP) has begun to spend $100,000 to study a new lane on the world-famous span. The federal money for the study was approved after a massive petition and postcard campaign by T.A. and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn residents.

Among the alternatives under study:

• Building a bicycle and pedestrian path;
• Painting a bike lane on the existing road;
• Placing bike racks on buses that cross the bridge;
• Starting service between Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The money will pay only for a study; to implement any of the above options will require more money. Meetings are open to the public, and anyone interested in participating in the study can contact Holly Haff at the Department of City Planning 212-442-0505.

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Two Miles Isn't That Far…Really!

In response to postcards from T.A. members demanding better bicycle access to the Triboro Bridge, MTA Bridges and Tunnels has posted "Walk Your Bike" signs on Triboro Bridge sidewalks. While the MTA is repairing bridge sidewalks, it refuses to replace several flights of stairs with bike- (and wheelchair-) friendly ramps.

The MTA also refuses to reconsider its "Walk Your Bike" policy, even though most path users are cyclists.

WRITE TO your NY State Assembly Member and State Senator--ask them to tell the MTA to serve all users of its bridges, not just motorists, and to lift its ludicrous ban on bicycling.

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