Park Slope Cyclist Punched By Driver Blocking New Bike Lane: Cops

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN -- A cyclist was attacked by an outraged driver who refused to move his car out of the new Ninth Street bike lane, according to police and the victim.

Chris Chernak, 46, became enraged when a cyclist asked him to move his black Chevy Traverse from the Ninth Street bike lane between Fourth and Fifth avenues at about 7:40 a.m., police said.

Twitter user Tom Flash identified himself as the cyclist in a Tweet that includes photos of the driver being handcuffed after he punched flash in the face.

"New 9th st #bikenyc lane great for protection from cars," @pimmbru wrote. "Less effective against drivers punching me in the face when I ask them to move their cars."

Police confirmed that Chernak, of Bensonhurst, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault.

Flash went to Methodist Hospital where he reported, with surprising cheer, that he was "stitched up" and "all good now."

Photo courtesy of @pimmbru/Twitter, used with permission

Correction: A previous edition mistakenly credited the Department of Transportation for the header photos.