[ Why should Brooklyn have a car-free Prospect Park? | Sure, But What About . . . ? | Who decides? ]

Why should Brooklyn have a car-free Prospect Park?

• Restore the park to its intended role as a refuge from the tumult of city streets.

• Save lives and prevent injuries. A recreation lane next to a de-facto expressway is a recipe for disaster. Speeds average nearly 40 mph when cars are in the park. From 1995-1997, cars injured 24 pedestrians and cyclists in Prospect Park, and killed one.

• Reduce runner-biker-skater-pedestrian conflicts. More space and a more clearly marked loop means nicer, safer conditions for park users.

• Reduce traffic around the park. Using the park as a traffic valve creates a magnet for drivers. When the park is available, motorists abandon routes intended for high traffic volumes such as the Prospect Expressway and Flatbush Avenue.

• End motorist confusion. A permanent car-free park will simplify traffic patterns, end confusion over park hours and make Grand Army Plaza much safer.

• Provide a safe commute route for cyclists. Safer routes encourage more cycling and less traffic.

• Long-term benefits. A car-free park costs nothing, and promises cleaner air, less noise and increased safety.

Sure, But What About . . . ?

• Myth: "If the park is closed to cars, there will be more traffic around the park."
  Reality: Commuters in Brooklyn have more travel and route choices than any other city in the U.S. As long as Prospect Park remains a short cut, drivers will go out of their way to use it. If the park is closed to cars, drivers will adjust and choose from among the vast network of roads and rails built just for them.

• Myth:"Cars make the park safer."
  Reality: During weekdays in 1999, 13 violent crimes occurred during car hours, and 9 when it was car free. Walkers, joggers, cyclists and other park users are far more likely to notice a crime than drivers speeding past sealed in their cars.

• Myth: "Motorists are park users too."
  Reality: Yes, everyone loves Prospect Park. But a small group of motorists damages the park's ecosystem and destroys the safety and enjoyment of a far larger group of strollers and recreational users. Barely one third of the households in the five community boards surrounding the park have access to a car.

• Myth: "Closing the park to cars prevents the elderly and disabled from enjoying the park."
  Reality: People with special needs will still be provided access. Without the menace of motorized traffic, we will all have have more of an opportunity to enjoy the park first hand.

Who decides whether or not Prospect Park is car-free?

Ultimately it is a mayoral decision. However, right now, Mayor Bloomberg doesn't care enough about cars in Prospect Park either way. He needs to be asked by the Brooklyn elected officials to support a three-month car-free period. In addition, the Commissioners of the Department of Transportation and Parks must support the change.

Five councilmembers are actively seeking a car-free park. Borough President Markowitz doesn't think there's a problem, so he won't ask the mayor to make the park car free. Given the broad coalition of support, if the Borough President endorses a three-month trial closure, the Mayor is likely to make it happen. The thrust of the campaign for the Spring 2002 season is to show our new Brooklyn Borough President of how important a car-free park is to Brooklyn.