DOT proposal for two‑way protected bike lanes on Lafayette draws safety, loading and bus concerns at CB2

Manhattan Borough DOT representatives outlined plans to close a gap in the city—ike network by adding a southbound protected facility on Lafayette Street and related upgrades along the Lafayette/4th Avenue corridor, prompting sustained public comment and questions from Community Board 2 members about pedestrian safety, truck loading and bus operations.

"There is no southbound protected bike lane," Hayes Lord of the DOT cycling and micromobility unit said as he described the project and the agency—ffort to connect existing two‑way facilities at Union Square and south toward the Brooklyn Bridge. DOT staff said the work would link to planned repaving and that several cross‑section options are under consideration, including one that narrows motor vehicle space to add a two‑way protected bike facility and an amenity strip for bike/cargo parking and landscaping where feasible.

The presentation listed block‑level elements DOT is proposing: relocation of a Citi Bike station near Wegmans to the south side of Astor Place to free space for the two‑way lane; added signal treatments and split phases at multiple intersections to reduce conflicts; new concrete islands and sidewalk extensions at several crossings; and replacement of flexible…