Staten Island Bus Lanes Unsafe At Any Speed: BP Fossella, Asm. Pirozzolo
Victory Blvd Bus Lanes Violate City’s Own Rules – Too Narrow For Safety, Shouldn’t Be Placed Where Everyone Parks Presently
See below for a video of the press conference where the bus lane issue was discussed:
On Staten Island, there is a newly minted bus lane on Victory Blvd which the residents of the area, the Borough President, and Assemblymember Pirozzolo have been fighting in court and to obtain the support of the public against these lanes. Our local politicians feel that many of these non-car amenities and constructions aren’t appropriate for Staten Island. That includes bike and bus lanes.
However, in the instance of this bus lane in particular, it isn’t even as wide as a bus! You read that right. A bus is 8.5 feet wide, and bus lanes are supposed to be 11 or more feet wide. This bus lane is only 8 feet 3 inches. So any bus passing a bus in the lane, or even a car, will be pushed into the oncoming traffic lanes, causing a serious hazardous condition.
According to the City’s own rules, this bus lane should not have been chosen. Since it is heavily used by members of the community for parking spaces, it should have been left out of the plan. Only areas that aren’t used much are supposed to qualify for bus lanes.
See here for our article on the Commission for Commission Efficiency recommendations for changes to the City Charter. COGE was a name given by the mayor for a new charter Commission formed for the purpose of amending the City Charter and bringing such changes before voters. One of the recommendations was to make bus and bike lanes easier to complete by removing community input via community boards and the City Council. Mayor Adams also hosted several charter commissions without nicknames, including one to consider making the primaries open. They’re currently closed to all but party registered voters (so registered Republicans and Democrats only can participate as it presently stands). Consequently, only 19% of all residents voted in the primaries for this next election cycle that culminates in November.
See below for the borough presidents press release:
Victory Blvd Bus Lane. Image Credit – Staten Islander News
Victory Blvd Bus Lane. Image Credit – Staten Islander News
Victory Blvd Bus Lane. Image Credit – Staten Islander News
Victory Blvd Bus Lane resident protest sign. Image Credit – Staten Islander News
Victory Blvd Bus Lane. Image Credit – Staten Islander News
Victory Blvd Bus Lane under construction. Image Credit – Staten Islander News
Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer
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