http://blogs.jta.org/ENTRY_PERMALINK_HERE/hasidim-vs-biker-controversy-continues/ When the New York Post first wrote about the fight over a bike lane through the Hasidic stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn back in 2008, it portrayed the debate as one over community mores: the conservative, black-clad Hasidim upset over the skimpy clothing of the hipster bikers that would be the lane’s primary users. The evidence was a quote from Community Board Member Simon Weisser, who told the Post "it’s a major issue, women passing through here in that dress code." en-us bharris@jta.org Copyright 2010 2010-01-26T;20:39:00-05:00 mr5050@sbcglobal.net What’s the problem?  When two groups need to share the same space, accommodation by all parties concerned results in good will, mutual respect and, as a predictable bonus, a smooth flow.  Cyclists must abide by traffic control signals, as must pedestrians.  Perhaps more “bike lane” control signals could be installed to allow cyclists to stop and go as permitted by the pedestrians, as well as advising the pedestrians as to when they must stop and then, after a reasonable time, go.  To give either cyclists or pedestrians 100% access, while disregarding the others legitimate needs is short-sighted and certainly not conducive to a well-working community.  Making cyclists contain their movement to being within a well-marked “lane” is certainly superior to allowing them to meander haphazardly wherever on those same streets.  That’s unsafe for all, if you ask me! What’s the problem?  When two groups need to share the same space, accommodation by all parties concerned results in good will, mutual respect and, as a predictable bonus, a smooth flow.  Cyclists must abide by traffic control signals, as must pedestrians.  Perhaps more “bike lane” control signals could be installed to allow cyclists to stop and go as permitted by the pedestrians, as well as advising the pedestrians as to when they must stop and then, after a reasonable time, go.  To give either cyclists or pedestrians 100% access, while disregarding the others legitimate needs is short-sighted and certainly not conducive to a well-working community.  Making cyclists contain their movement to being within a well-marked “lane” is certainly superior to allowing them to meander haphazardly wherever on those same streets.  That’s unsafe for all, if you ask me!

]]> 2012-05-24T;14:04:00-05:00 asc@njjewishnews.com I think the word is “cyclists,” not bikers. Although I think it would be a much livelier hearing if the Satmars were tussling with the Hell’s Angels. I think the word is “cyclists,” not bikers. Although I think it would be a much livelier hearing if the Satmars were tussling with the Hell’s Angels.

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