By Yitzchok Cohen

The controversial Kingston Avenue bike lane is no longer just a proposal — and as of Tuesday, it has officially been installed, visibly reshaping one of Crown Heights’ busiest streets.

The protected bike lane stretches from Winthrop Street to East New York Avenue, eliminating what had previously been two moving lanes in portions of the corridor and leaving drivers with a single travel lane.

The changes are already generating frustration among residents who question why valuable roadway space is being taken away from cars in a neighborhood already struggling with congestion, double parking and limited parking availability.

The project has faced strong community opposition. A survey of more than 900 community members reportedly found roughly 90% opposed to the original proposal. Following community concerns, the DOT modified the plan so the protected lane would begin at East New York Avenue rather than Empire Boulevard.

But the changes aren’t stopping there.

Brooklyn Avenue is next, with protected bike-lane work expected to begin in the coming days. The larger plan also includes bike infrastructure on Rutland Road and Winthrop Street.

Critics say the city is moving ahead despite widespread concerns from local residents and questions about how the redesign will affect traffic, school buses, pedestrians, deliveries and neighborhood parking.

And this is where residents should be asking: Where are our elected officials?

Politicians can hold meetings, issue statements and say they support “community input,” but when the construction crews arrive, the bike lanes are still going in.

Crown Heights residents deserve more than politicians who listen after the decisions have already been made. They deserve elected officials willing to fight for the community before the concrete is poured.

Kingston Ave is now installed. Brooklyn Ave is next.

And Crown Heights is being told to live with the consequences.