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Staten Island Bike Lanes Spark Controversy, Business Owners Protest

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. s-spark-controversy-business-owners-protest.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 18:55 GMT by Staten Island Advance
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

By [Your Name] | silive.com

NEW DORF, STATEN ISLAND -- The contentious overhaul of bike lanes on Forest Avenue continues to be a major point of friction for Staten Island residents and business owners. Months after the project's completion last fall, the initial hopes of a safer, more accessible corridor for cyclists have been overshadowed by growing complaints of increased traffic congestion, accessibility issues, and detrimental effects on local commerce. The situation highlights a wider struggle on Staten Island regarding transportation planning and community engagement.

Michael Russo, owner of Russo's Pizzeria, a longstanding Forest Avenue establishment, encapsulates the frustration felt by many. "It's become a logistical nightmare," he stated. "Deliveries are now significantly delayed, often doubled in time, and our customers are finding it increasingly difficult to access the pizzeria. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's directly impacting our bottom line." Russo is at the forefront of a burgeoning movement, having spearheaded a petition calling for a thorough review of the bike lane project, gathering signatures from dozens of affected business owners.

Angela DeLuca, spokesperson for the Forest Avenue Business Alliance, echoes these concerns. "We aren't anti-bike lane. Nobody here is arguing against providing safe cycling infrastructure," she clarifies. "However, the execution of this redesign feels profoundly misguided. It's not merely an inconvenience; it's creating genuine hardship for businesses already navigating a challenging economic landscape, and hindering the ability of residents to efficiently move about the area."

The project, initiated by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), involved the conversion of a two-way traffic lane into a protected bike lane, effectively reducing the total number of lanes available for vehicular traffic. While the DOT champions the project as a vital component of a broader initiative to foster a sustainable transportation ecosystem, critics argue that it has inadvertently exacerbated existing traffic woes and negatively impacted the economic vitality of Forest Avenue.

The DOT, in a released statement, acknowledged the concerns voiced by the community. "We understand and are listening to the feedback regarding the Forest Avenue bike lanes," a spokesperson stated. "We firmly believe that these changes are crucial for enhancing cyclist safety and encouraging the adoption of alternative modes of transportation, aligning with the city's long-term vision for a more sustainable and accessible transportation network." However, this sentiment hasn't quelled the rising tide of discontent.

The conflict on Forest Avenue is symptomatic of a larger debate unfolding across Staten Island - a borough historically reliant on personal vehicles. While cycling has seen a noticeable increase in popularity in recent years, the infrastructure hasn't always kept pace, and many residents feel their needs are not adequately addressed in city-wide transportation planning. This feeling is compounded by the perception that projects are often imposed upon communities, rather than developed with them.

"There's a consistent feeling here that decisions are being made in Manhattan without a true understanding of the unique challenges and realities of Staten Island," says local community organizer, David Chen. "We need genuine dialogue and collaboration, not top-down directives. A comprehensive traffic study, factoring in delivery schedules, pedestrian flow, and resident feedback, is essential before any further steps are taken."

Several council members have begun to publicly call for a moratorium on any further bike lane projects until a comprehensive review of the Forest Avenue situation is completed. They are advocating for a more robust community engagement process, including town hall meetings and dedicated workshops, to ensure that future projects are aligned with the needs and priorities of local residents and businesses. The potential for a formal investigation by the city council is also being discussed.

The dispute is attracting attention from transportation advocacy groups as well. Some argue that short-term disruptions are inevitable during the transition to a more sustainable transportation system, and that the long-term benefits of increased cycling outweigh the temporary inconveniences. Others contend that a more nuanced approach is needed, one that prioritizes the needs of all stakeholders, not just cyclists. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the Forest Avenue bike lanes and, potentially, shaping the future of transportation planning on Staten Island.