Jimmy Van Bramer

Jimmy Van Bramer Admits His “Mistake” on Opposing Skillman Avenue Protected Lane — And Activists Cheer

The council member provides a rare glimpse into his public and private anguish.

By Gersh Kuntzman

12:23 PM EDT on July 26, 2018

Jimmy Van Bramer Admits His “Mistake” on Opposing Skillman Avenue Protected Lane — And Activists Cheer

Queens Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer. Photo by Gersh Kuntzman

Queens Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer is being hailed on Thursday for admitting his “mistake” and openly discussing his regrets about the painful public process that will culminate later this year with the installation of two protected bike lanes in Sunnyside.

Van Bramer had initially called for better protection for cyclists on 43rd Avenue after deliveryman Gelacio Reyes was killed — only to back Community Board 2 when it rejected the city DOT plan. But today, he said he made a “mistake.”

Early response from street safety advocates is positive:

https://twitter.com/PedestrianTom/status/1022509265804828673

Here is Van Bramer’s full Twitter thread with more reaction below:

I know that good people are opposed to the lanes based on honest concerns. However, a scorched earth campaign against bike lanes continues to inflame & divide. So much misinformation is being spread. So much fear stoked. But facts matter.
— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) July 26, 2018

The bike lanes should happen. It’s the right thing to do. And even if there is a political price to pay for saying so, I should say it. So I am.
— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) July 26, 2018

The posts prompted much discussion and praise among activists…

Thank you very much Jimmy. You are absolutely right, and I very much appreciate you sorting through things and ultimately sticking by principals that you have embraced for years on other projects. This was the right thing to do. This will save lives and that must be our priority. https://t.co/8AwHxdg969
— 🚲Peter W Beadle🚲 (@pwbnyc) July 26, 2018

https://twitter.com/velo53x11/status/1022508026312515586

…but not from everyone, as this clearly sarcastic post shows:

https://twitter.com/JarekFA/status/1022511821838798848

Some even saw a larger message for politicians in general:

Pols have to start talking out loud about regrets. I bet there were lots of regrets on Dem primary night, but all we saw were quick, awkward pivots. If you don't process out loud a bit folks not gonna believe you. But thoughtful, reflective humility will win our trust every time.
— (((Laura Newman🚲))) (@Laurajaxheights) July 26, 2018

Gersh Kuntzman

Tabloid legend Gersh Kuntzman has been with New York newspapers since 1989, including stints at the New York Daily News, the Post, the Brooklyn Paper and even a cup of coffee with the Times. He's also the writer and producer of "Murder at the Food Coop," which was a hit at the NYC Fringe Festival in 2016, and “SUV: The Musical” in 2007. He also writes the Cycle of Rage column, which is archived here.

Jimmy Van Bramer | Protected Bike Lanes | Queens | Sunnyside

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