Call it Bae Ridge.
“Love locks” — the symbols of eternal devotion that sweethearts affix to bridges and other scenic landmarks — are latching on to Bay Ridge.
The tradition took off in Europe in the early aughts, and by 2010, love locks started appearing on the Brooklyn Bridge. Four years later, the phenomenon had spread to the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges. And just this year, folks started noticing them in less picturesque locales like a pedestrian bridge over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Carroll Gardens.
Now the mementos have metastasized to the Belt Parkway footbridge near 80th Street, and locals say they appreciate the positive vibes.
“It’s good,” said Ridgite Sam Dueno. “I think we need more messages of love.”
But the Department of Transportation says the amorous memorials amount to graffiti.
It’s unclear when the locks began appearing on the Ridge bridge — many appear to be new, but others are so covered in rust they are tough to date.
Some Ridgites took notice but didn’t know what the locks were for. Others were less keyed in.
“I’m from Portland, and locks are on bridges everywhere there — this is the first time I’ve seen these,” said Natalie McPhillips, who has lived in Bay Ridge for a year and regularly jogs across the bridge.
One area hardware store owner said he’s familiar with the practice, but his clients haven’t asked for the locks by name.
“I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t had anyone come in saying they wanted to buy a love lock,” said Mike Sino, who owns United Hardware on Third Avenue.
It’s not clear how much farther south the trend can spread. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge — often maligned for its sky-high toll and lack of bike lanes — may never get any love, since there is no way for passionate pedestrians to mount the span.
Whether the locks are graffiti or grand romantic gestures, the impassioned exhibitions are an absolute imperative, one local said.
“When you fall in love, you’ve gotta lock it up,” said neighbor Chris Olivera.
