Transforming Flatbush Avenue: A Community-Driven Campaign for Safer Streets

Flatbush streets are not safe, especially for people walking, biking, and taking the bus. This week, alongside Riders Alliance, elected officials, and a coalition of transit, climate, and labor advocates, we supported a new, community-driven campaign for a bus lane down Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. 

 The B41 bus route — spanning nearly 10 miles from the Manhattan Bridge to Jamaica Bay — serves as a vital transit corridor for tens of thousands of commuters, but congestion and safety issues slow down our community's daily lives.

We need to make Flatbush Avenue safe for everyone! It’s time to reimagine Flatbush Avenue into a space where pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders can move safely and freely. Too often, our streets have been scenes of tragedy, with too many lives lost and families impacted. By redesigning Flatbush Avenue, we have an opportunity not only to improve bus service but also to prioritize pedestrian safety. 

Join us in calling on our elected officials to transform Flatbush Avenue — and beyond — into a safe street for all.

ADD YOUR NAME

Our partners at Riders Alliance are working with the Pratt Center for Community Development to survey Flatbush Avenue bus riders. Do you ride the bus along Flatbush Avenue? 

 Take their survey today and help win better buses.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW

New York is now one of nine states without a designed safe passage law. Vermont recently implemented safe passage legislation mandating that drivers give at least four feet of clearance when passing cyclists and other vulnerable road users. This milestone legislation means that every state bordering New York now has strong, safe passage laws in place — highlighting the need for New York to do the same. Three out of these five neighboring states, including Vermont, require drivers to give clearance to all vulnerable road users — protecting bike riders, pedestrians, and everyone traveling on our roads. 

DOT plans to extend bus and bike lanes along Third Avenue in Harlem. Third Avenue in East Harlem has long struggled with traffic challenges, especially because its width remains unusually wide since the removal of elevated train tracks in the 1950s. This 32-block stretch ranks among Manhattan's most dangerous streets. The redesign aims to turn Third Avenue into a "complete street," mirroring the successful implementation of bus lanes, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian islands further south on the Upper East Side.

In the News:

• Watch our mass toy action coverage on NY1, where we delivered thousands of toy cars to Governor Hochul’s Midtown office to protest her decision to 'pause' congestion pricing.

• Read about the community-driven campaign to redesign Flastbush Avenue in Gothamist.

• We are thrilled to hear from Streetsblog that upgrades are underway on Vernon Boulevard! DOT upgraded the protected bike lane near Astoria's Rainey Park with concrete and plastic barriers between 33rd Road and 35th Avenue this spring.

TWO THINGS TO DO

Join us for our second Queens Waterfront Greenway walking tour. Mayor Adams has secured funding for the city’s greenway expansion, including new bike and pedestrian paths in all five boroughs. We're partnering with the Queens Waterfront Greenway Community Working Group and GoFB to launch two walks highlighting the proposed Queens Greenway route along Flushing Bay. Join us for our second walk on July 17 at 6 p.m., starting at the Mets Willets Point 7 station and ending at Luyster Creek.

 Join us for a vigil honoring community members lost and injured in the congestion zone. Stand with Families for Safe Streets as we remember Andy Gil, tragically killed by a truck driver in Manhattan two years ago. Together, we will commemorate everyone killed or seriously injured by traffic violence within the congestion pricing zone. Meet us at East Houston Street and Forsyth Street on July 14 at 4 p.m. Congestion pricing can and will save lives – if Kathy Hochul flips the switch and turns it on.  

ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW

Tell your state representatives to support congestion pricing. Following Governor Hochul's pause on congestion pricing, we have been out in full force — from protesting in the streets, testifying at the MTA Board meeting, and delivering thousands of toy cars to the governor. This week we need you to visit your State Senator and Assemblymember in person to secure their support for congestion pricing. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with them or their staff, tag them and us, and share your experience on social media!

P.S. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wants to spend billions to widen the NJ Turnpike — leading to even more traffic pouring onto Canal Street. We can't let this happen. Leave a public comment in opposition of this plan by tomorrow, July 11.