Like it or not, street redesigns that improve safety or transit performance tend not to get far without support from NYC’s community boards, even though CB members often fail to represent the interests of the city’s car-free majority. If you’d like to see less of what happened last Thursday — when Manhattan CB 2 rejected proposals for bike parking from SoHo businesses — consider applying for a spot on your local board. Those who live in Manhattan or the Bronx have an opportunity this week to get the ball rolling. Read on for details.

Also this week, two major community board votes on street safety projects in Manhattan and Brooklyn:

• Tuesday: DOT will present plans for traffic calming on Borinquen Place to Brooklyn Community Board 1. The proposal, which includes curb extensions and concrete medians, comes after a number of recent pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and a request from City Council Member Diana Reyna. 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: The Manhattan CB 7 transportation committee will revisit the DOT proposal to extend the protected bike lane on Columbus Avenue. Despite a reduction in crashes and injuries along the existing lane, in December the committee failed to advance a project that would extend safety improvements up to 110th Street and down to 59th Street. 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is appointing the 2013 class of community board members — and one of them could be you! Join Stringer’s staff for an informational meeting to learn about the roles and responsibilities of community board members and how to apply. 6:30 p.m. RSVP requested.
• Tuesday: Long-time city cycling activist Charles Komanoff is the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the New York Cycle Club. Komanoff will review past victories, discuss current efforts, and preview future campaigns to expand cycling infrastructure and enhance cyclists’ rights in NYC. Program starts at 7:30; RSVP for optional 6:45 dinner reservation.
• Thursday: Enjoy snacks and drinks while you learn about the community board process from the Bronx borough president’s office and Transportation Alternatives. Anyone interested in learning about community boards in all five boroughs is welcome to attend this free event. 6:30 p.m. RSVP requested.

Keep an eye on the calendar for updated listings. Got an event we should know about? Drop us a line.