New York judge halts Crown Heights bike lane project

A Kings County Supreme Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the installation of protected bike lanes on Kingston and Brooklyn Avenues in Crown Heights. The order, granted by Judge Rachel Freier, pauses further construction—including pedestrian islands, curb extensions, and planned lanes on Rutland Road and Fenimore Street—until a court hearing scheduled for September 16.

The lawsuit was filed by resident Yosef Wolf against the City of New York, the Department of Transportation, and DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. The plaintiff alleges that the DOT failed to complete legally required formal notices and consultations with local officials and city agencies, such as the NYPD, FDNY, and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, before beginning implementation.

While the DOT maintains that extensive community outreach and agency coordination occurred, the lawsuit claims key local representatives, including Councilmembers Rita Joseph and Crystal Hudson, were not properly notified. The existing bike lane on Kingston Avenue will remain in place for the time being.