Creating A Bicycle Commuter System

"With no subway service and just a couple of bus lines, Brooklyn's Red Hook is looking to become the city's most bike-friendly neighborhood.

The Manhattan-based Forum for Urban Design is kicking off a competition for architects and developers interested in creating a bicycle-centered commuter system to the neighborhood that features spectacular views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty.

The competition - to be discussed tonight before Community Board 6 - calls for a series of dedicated bike lanes to connect all of Red Hook to the closest train station, the Smith-Ninth Street stop in Carroll Gardens.

The station would also be retrofitted with a bike garage.

"The lanes will be more than painted street lines. We envision bike stations where you would lock up your bike, get a flat fixed, fill up your water bottle and even buy a Power Bar," said Lisa Chamberlain, executive director of the forum.

The Department of Transportation says it supports the proposal as part of its effort to add bike lanes."