Question 20

Many New Yorkers complained that the new bike lanes slowed car traffic and reduced parking spaces.

A significant number of New Yorkers voiced concerns that the implementation of new bike lanes led to slower car traffic and a reduction in available parking spaces.

A) They slowed car traffic and reduced parking spaces

This option accurately reflects the complaints expressed by many New Yorkers as stated in the extract. Residents felt that the introduction of bike lanes negatively impacted traffic flow and diminished the number of parking options available.

B) They made cycling too expensive

This option is incorrect as the extract does not mention any complaints regarding the cost of cycling. The concerns raised were focused on traffic and parking issues rather than financial aspects of biking.

C) They reduced access to public transit

This statement is also incorrect. The extract does not provide any information about bike lanes affecting access to public transportation. The complaints highlighted were specifically about traffic and parking, not public transit accessibility.

D) They forced businesses to close

There is no evidence in the extract to support this claim. While businesses may have been affected by changes in traffic and parking, the text does not indicate that the bike lanes led to business closures, making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

The correct answer, A, is supported by direct complaints from New Yorkers regarding the impact of bike lanes on car traffic and parking availability. The other options fail to reflect any concerns mentioned in the extract, demonstrating that they do not accurately represent the primary issues raised by residents.