Survey: More Two-Way Traffic Needed Around GAP
A recently released results of survey by the Park Slope Civic Council call for converting two main arteries off the Grand Army Plaza traffic circle from one-way streets to two-way. Despite the addition of traffic lights at previously unsignaled intersections, residents voiced strong opinions about the danger of speeding cars on both Eighth Avenue and…
A recently released results of survey by the Park Slope Civic Council call for converting two main arteries off the Grand Army Plaza traffic circle from one-way streets to two-way. Despite the addition of traffic lights at previously unsignaled intersections, residents voiced strong opinions about the danger of speeding cars on both Eighth Avenue and Prospect Park West. The consensus from the workshop [pdf] is that much more needs to be done, said Michael Cairl, chair of the Civic Council’s Livable Streets Committee. We know that these proposed changes won’t satisfy everyone, but we’re convinced that restoring two-way traffic flow to Eighth Avenue and Prospect Park West is the best way to … make these streets safer for all users, said Eric McClure of Park Slope Neighbors. Reactions?
Eighth Ave and PPW Should Go Both Ways [Brooklyn Paper]
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“doldrums: “as they get blindsided…” what, these are very special kids and adults who NEVER cross a 2-way street? They map out special routes to only traverse 1-ways?”
you should see how they cross the street now, in their rush to get to the park. Wait until it’s 2 way. I live near the Park and all my neighbors are against the idea.
denton et al: One way streets are the “honking disaster” (nice turn of phrase, that), not 2-way. 1-way streets invite speeding (compare 8th Av to 7th)
The plan above does NOT conflict with GAPco’s plans, which also suggest 2-way around the plaza.
doldrums: “as they get blindsided…” what, these are very special kids and adults who NEVER cross a 2-way street? They map out special routes to only traverse 1-ways?
Americans and roundabouts…..
Bkre,
You are definitely right about two-way streets. They are much safer than one-way speedways.
The suggestion for Grand Army PLaza would definitely make it and the park more accessible and pedestrian friendly.
The main thing preventing people from crossing streets now is the zoom round the circle set up in effect now.
Plus, this map shows no traffic dividing the plaza thingie where the arch and fountain is and the entrance to the park, which are now divided by the racing cars headed from Flatbush to either Eastern Parkway or continuing on Flatbush.
IMHO, that would lead to far more folks using the plaza space, which is now cut off from everywhere.
Brooklynishome: This meshes perfectly with what GAPCo aims to do.
Like bkre says, 2 way traffic is calmer traffic, more controlled traffic, more aware traffic. And traffic circles are confusing. GAPCo is for improving and simplifying traffic flow around and thru GAP.
For peds, joining GAP to Prospect Park is a no brainer. And tightly controlled crossings in three places – Union and PPW, Eastern Pkway and Flatbush, and Flatbush and Vanderbilt – would allow peds better access to the ‘interior’ of the plaza in a safe, controlled manner.
Doldrums – most “livable streets” advocates and transportation planners would tel you that exactly the opposite is true. Two way streets are better for pedestrians because they encourage drivers to drive more slowly. It’s a proven fact that drivers drive more slowly on 2-way street than one way streets. Also, people (especially kids) should only cross streets at intersections when they have the light. It doesn’t matter which way traffic is going if it’s stopped at a light.
GAP always seems to me like a deathtrap for pedestrians. I went to the exhibit last summer that showcased entries in a redesign contest. There were some interesting suggestions. Although I wonder if anything will get done with all the budget cuts… I doubt it. The exhibit also pointed out that GAP was conceived and built before there were autos on the road.
Terrible idea about 2 way traffic on PPw. with so many kids and adults crossing PPw to get to the park, this plan will result in pedestrian injuries as they get blindsided by cars coming from both directions.
2 way streets? What a honking disaster.