Elderly residents in several Brooklyn neighborhoods have voiced strong opposition to proposed changes to local streets and bus routes, alleging that city officials are prioritizing cyclists and newer, wealthier residents at the expense of longtime community members. The disputes center on plans to convert Dean and Bergen streets into a “Bike Boulevard” aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, alongside a redesign of the B65 bus route.
The Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, first proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in 2022, includes shifting the B65 route two blocks north to Atlantic Avenue to enhance speed and efficiency. However, many senior residents, particularly in areas like Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, say these changes would make daily commutes more difficult. Betty Davis, 82, described the additional walking distance to reach bus stops as a significant hardship, especially for elderly and disabled riders who rely heavily on public transit.
“These changes aren’t just an issue of civil rights,” Davis said. “It’s a matter of human rights,” adding that she feels marginalized by the city’s plans. Similar concerns were voiced by members of Community Board 8, who criticized the proposed bus route adjustments as “counterproductive and arbitrary,” particularly given the area’s status as a “naturally occurring retirement center.”
The “Bike Boulevard” project, announced in spring 2026 by Mayor Mamdani’s administration, aims to create a 10-mile corridor giving priority to cyclists and pedestrians while maintaining vehicle access. City officials have emphasized that the bike boulevard and bus redesign efforts are separate initiatives designed to enhance safety and transit efficiency. A city representative said the project intends to make streets safer for all users, including school children and older adults, while supporting faster, more reliable bus service.
Despite these assurances, opposition continues from both residents and local board members. Community Board 8 member Kwasi Mensah called the plans a “war on motorists” and questioned the timing of simultaneous changes. Fellow board member and longtime cyclist Peter Anekwe expressed concern that rerouting the B65 onto Atlantic Avenue, a busy thoroughfare frequented by trucks, would increase safety risks for seniors and children who need to cross the street.
Local resident Stephon Richardson suggested the proposals may be driven by political considerations, noting that they appear designed to accommodate newer, wealthier residents rather than the established community. “It feels like Mamdani is talking from both sides of his mouth,” Richardson said, referencing the mayor’s campaign promises to protect longtime Black residents from displacement. He characterized the urban renewal efforts as benefiting transient gentrifiers, rather than those who live in the immediate neighborhoods.
The MTA and city officials have not indicated whether they will make significant modifications in response to the protests. As the bus route redesign remains in the workshop phase, community members continue to call for greater involvement in decisions that affect access and safety in their neighborhoods.