Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

(1) New York City has a long history with bicycle lanes, which are either painted on a street or constructed alongside a street and are used by bicycles rather than cars. (2) Its first bike lane - and the country's first - was built in 1894, along Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway. (3) Interest in bicycle lanes reappeared in the 1970s, and by 1980, Mayor Ed Koch saw to the construction of them on Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Midtown. (4) However, those lanes faced such fierce opposition that they were immediately removed. (5) Things have recently changed: since 2006, the city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level. (6) It installed more than 250 miles around the city's five boroughs. (7) Many New Yorkers complained the new bike lanes slowed car traffic and reduced the number of parking spaces. (8) Others complained bicyclists were not following traffic rules in the lanes. (9) In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, religious leaders convinced the city to remove a new strip of freshly painted bike lane in their neighborhood. (10) Elected officials and perturbed residents of Staten Island also pressured the city into removing its own 2.35-mile dedicated lane. (11) Most New Yorkers have gotten used to the idea: a recent poll of New York City residents shows that two-thirds of them support the bike lanes. (12) They cite environmental reasons for their support, as well as the health and safety benefits the lanes provide bike riders. (13) Ultimately, the city can be happy knowing that statistics have shown its new bike lanes have already made the streets of New York safer for bikers and pedestrians.

What complaint did many New Yorkers have about the new bike lanes?

Rationale

They slowed car traffic and reduced parking spaces.

Many New Yorkers expressed concerns that the newly implemented bike lanes caused significant disruptions to car traffic flow and led to a reduction in available parking spaces. These complaints highlighted the tension between accommodating cyclists and maintaining convenience for drivers.

A (They slowed car traffic and reduced parking spaces) CORRECT

This choice accurately reflects the primary complaint voiced by many residents who felt that the bike lanes impeded vehicle movement and took away valuable parking spots. The introduction of bike lanes often reallocates street space, which can lead to increased congestion and frustration among drivers.

B (They made cycling too expensive) YOUR ANSWER

While some individuals may have concerns about the costs related to cycling, such as purchasing a bike or maintenance, this was not a widespread complaint regarding new bike lanes in New York. The focus of criticism was primarily on the impact of bike lanes on car traffic and parking, rather than the expense of cycling itself.

C (They reduced access to public transit) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests that bike lanes hindered public transportation access; however, this was not a common grievance. Many bike lanes are designed to coexist with public transit routes, and complaints typically centered on traffic and parking issues rather than access to transit.

D (They forced businesses to close) YOUR ANSWER

Although some businesses may have feared negative impacts from reduced street access due to bike lanes, there was no significant evidence or widespread complaint that bike lanes were directly responsible for business closures. Most criticisms were focused on immediate concerns of traffic congestion and parking availability.

Conclusion

The primary complaint among New Yorkers about the new bike lanes was their effect on vehicle traffic and parking. While other concerns exist, they are not as prevalent as the frustrations regarding slowed car movement and diminished parking options. Understanding these complaints is essential for city planners to find a balance that accommodates both cyclists and motorists effectively.

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