Brooklyn Heights residents are roiled over bicyclists wheeling down the pedestrian-packed Promenade—which is forbidden, according to the long list of no-no’s along the picturesque walkway. The Brooklyn Paper claims that the rule-breaking cyclists frequently “weave around park-goers and ride all over the borough’s most illustrious sidewalk.”
Community Board 2 district manager Rob Perris says he has received calls about cyclists on the Promenade, and is convinced that even more bikers will turn to the walkway in the future: “As bike riding increases in popularity in New York City and there are more places to rent bikes, we are probably going to see more of this.”
Longtime Heights resident Rob Rosenstein noted in the Brooklyn Paper story, “I’m here everyday and they ride by like nobody’s business. There’s no concern for anyone else.” He says he fears accidents are bound to happen as long as cyclists ride on the walkway.
Neighborhood cycling expert Tony Scarselli, owner of Brooklyn Heights Bike Shoppe on Atlantic Avenue, says bikers ride on the Promenade for recreation, not commuting. But it’s not a safe place for two-wheelers, he says, advising that two-wheelers explore the bike-friendly path in Brooklyn Bridge Park instead. “There’s no reason to ride a bike there; it’s like an oversized terrace for the neighborhood.”
Promenade regulars suggest that cyclists may not be intentionally disregarding the rules, because posted signs that also forbid booze, off-leash pets and skateboarding aren’t prominent and could be difficult for them to read. “The signs are so small, you can barely see them,” said resident John McKaig. “Maybe if they were bigger, people would pay attention.”
