An incident in South Williamsburg earlier this week has ignited a firestorm of concern within New York City’s Orthodox Jewish communities – and has become a major talking point in a New York City Council race. On Sunday evening, a 3-year-old Chasidic girl was struck by an e-bike while crossing the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue, sustaining minor injuries. The event, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has intensified condemnation of the city’s bike lane policies.
The child had just exited a double-parked car near Park Avenue when she darted into the bike lane and was hit by a 22-year-old cyclist, who remained at the scene. She was treated at Bellevue Hospital for minor abdominal injuries. The incident is one among over 50 bike-related injuries reported on Bedford Avenue since 2024, according to public records.
Community leaders and residents have long voiced concerns about the safety of bike lanes in areas like Williamsburg and Crown Heights.
The controversy has become a focal point in the upcoming City Council Democratic primary. Challenger Sabrina Gates criticized incumbent Lincoln Restler for supporting the bike lane, saying, “Bedford Avenue was dangerous even before the bike lane. Lincoln Restler has been on the wrong side of this issue. It’s time to move the bike lane before another child is hurt.” Restler defended his position, citing the need for protected bike lanes to ensure safety for all road users, while also acknowledging the need for safety enhancements.
Mayor Eric Adams has also weighed in, saying, “When the people speak, we listen — with or without their councilman’s support.” The city is now considering modifications to existing bike lanes and evaluating plans for new ones in other Orthodox neighborhoods, including Flatbush and Crown Heights, where proposals have met significant opposition due to concerns over parking loss and pedestrian safety.
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If the city is going to spend all this money creating and enforcing bike lanes, they ought to also set standards including rules of the road, a minimum level of insurance, and minimum standards on bike safety.
There also need to be more clear standards on what types of motorized (electric) bikes require licensure to ride.