Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Prospect Park West Redesign Is Slowing Traffic
By
John Del Signore
Published Aug 3, 2010
Modified Aug 3, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Aug 3, 2010
Modified Aug 3, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Like all bike lanes in this crazy town, the battle rages on against the Prospect Park West bike lane, which took away a lane of traffic from the notoriously high-speed avenue in Park Slope and added a path for bikes, separated by a row of parked cars. High-profile opponents like Chuck Schumer's wife—former NYC DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall—and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz say the redesign has snarled traffic and endangered pedestrians. But a new report from a group that pushed hard for the change suggests that the bike lane has, at the very least, stymied speeders on PPW.
According to a report from community group Park Slope Neighbors, before the bike lane 85 percent of drivers were exceeding the 30 mph speed limit. A follow-up last month showed the new street design, with two traffic lanes instead of three, has increased compliance with the speed limit five-fold, and average speeds are down about 25 percent. Streetsblog is hosting a pdf of the full report.
Of course, you can't just wave some facts about safety improvements and expect a bike lane war to magically disappear. When asked about the study, Markowitz told Brooklyn Paper, "Double-parking is still commonplace and the result is more noise from car-honking, more pollution from traffic jams and more frustration to residents and visitors alike." Let's join Streetsblog's Ben Fried and "just appreciate this line of thought for a moment: Motorists double-park and spew fumes, so let's go back to the bad old days when they could double-park, spew fumes, and speed unchecked."
Tagged
bike lane
marty markowitz
park slope
ppw
prospect park west
traffic calming
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Second detainee dies after being held at Delaney Hall ICE detention center
The family alleges Edwin Jovanny Lopez Cornejo was denied needed medication while detained. ICE says he received appropriate medical care and prescribed medication.
By
Michael Sol Warren
and
Arya Sundaram
Published Aug 3, 2026 at 6:58 p.m. ET
Federal judge blocks New York’s ban on ICE agents wearing masks
Ruling says New York can prohibit cooperation between local police and federal immigration officials.
By
Jimmy Vielkind
News
Federal judge blocks New York’s ban on ICE agents wearing masks
Ruling says New York can prohibit cooperation between local police and federal immigration officials.
By
Jimmy Vielkind
Public defenders remain on strike as Bronx and Manhattan cases continue
By
Samantha Max
New York awards $9M to protect water systems after cyberattacks in other states
By
Giulia Heyward
NYC closes most beaches to swimming as dangerous rip currents threaten coast
By
Phil Corso
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .