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Two Richmond City Council members’ bid to block the addition of bike lanes to a North Side thoroughfare failed at Monday's council meeting, as cyclists turned out en masse to oppose their effort.

The council rejected an ordinance that would have barred the city administration from moving forward with plans for bike lanes and floating parking on a stretch of Brook Road between Azalea Avenue and Charity Street. The decision, on a 3-6 vote, came after more than 50 people spoke against the prohibition, saying it would set back efforts to make city streets safer.

“We need this bike lane,” said Cat Anthony, a cyclist who lives in North Side. She recalled a close call with a driver on Brook Road — one that wouldn’t have happened if she had a protected lane to ride in. “I still remember the day. ... I would have been hit pretty badly.”

“This ordinance before you tonight is a ban against lifesaving measures in our city,” said Aaron Campbell, who commutes to work by bicycle from his Church Hill home. “Please vote against it.”