US News

HASID STREET FIGHT

A group of Brooklyn Hasids, furious that city transportation officials put bike lanes in a school drop-off zone, have defiantly put up their own traffic sign to detour motorists – and have also vowed to block cars with school buses.

The 4-by-8-foot sign along Kent Avenue in Williamsburg directs motorists a block east to Wythe Avenue as an alternate six-block route to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

The decision to hang the unsanctioned “Detour Route” sign was sparked by the city’s decision in November to eliminate parking along the bustling roadway in favor of new bike lanes heading north and south.

Even though the sign was hung on private land near the Broadway intersection, it isn’t kosher with the Department of Transportation.

“Only the city can establish detours,” said DOT spokesman Scott Gastel, who would not elaborate on any consequences the culprits could face.

Adding to the controversy: The sign notes that buses hired by Hasidic schools will defy traffic rules from 8-10 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. weekdays by “angle blocking the road and bike lane for safety” as children leave and enter classes.

“Due to the bike lane and parking problem created by NYC Department of Transportation, we urge all drivers to use Wythe Ave. as your alternate route, so you have no delays when the buses are picking up and dropping off kids,” the sign says.

Hasids say they will also hand out unofficial advisories to drivers along Kent Avenue every day.

The Post reported in September that some South Williamsburg Hasids were trying to block construction of the new lanes because three other neighborhood bike paths were attracting scantily clad female cyclists.

The bike lanes are popular with North Williamsburg hipsters – many who ride in shorts or skirts in warm weather. Hasids are forbidden from looking at members of the opposite sex who aren’t fully dressed.

Hasid community activist Isaac Abraham said the decision to hang the sign has nothing to do with the battle between the Hasids and hotties, however. He says it’s about protecting kids from bikers who ignore traffic laws.

“They are like birds flying by and dropping manure,” said Abraham, who said his spouse was struck by a cyclist.

Residents also say the bike lanes and lack of parking are causing local businesses to suffer because they’re losing deliveries – even from UPS and FedEx.

Phil DiPaolo, a local activist, said DOT created the mess by promising to create new parking spaces along side streets to make way for the Kent Avenue bike lane and then reneging on the spaces.

However, he believes the Hasids shouldn’t break the law to make a point.

“Bicyclists should have a right to safe passage, but businesses should have ample parking,” he said.

rich.calder@nypost.com