Bike lane or no bike lane on Prospect Park West was the topic of discussion at the Community Board 6 Transportation hearing last Thursday at the library at Grand Army Plaza. The Brooklyn Paper filed this report:

City officials shot back at opponents of the controversial Prospect Park West bike lane on Thursday, saying that the two-way protected bike path is all about making Park Slope’s notorious speedway safer.

The bike lane, which would run from Grand Army Plaza to Bartel Pritchard Square and require the removal of one lane of southbound car traffic, has enraged some residents because it would require the removal of 22 parking spaces, result in more congestion from double-parked cars and create a potential hazard for pedestrians not accustomed to looking out for cyclists heading in two directions.

But the city defended its decision, saying that the lane would make Prospect Park West safer — for everyone.

“We prioritize safety above other types of considerations,” said Josh Benson, director of the Department of Transportation’s bicycle program. “Speeding is a problem on that stretch, and we’re going to keep people safe.”