Car-Free Parks
Streetsblog Basics
Simotas Calls on DOT to Make Astoria Park’s Shore Boulevard Car-Free
Assembly Member Aravella Simotas wants Astoria Park to be New York's next car-free park.
August 6, 2015
After Hit-and-Run Death, Neighbors Press DOT to Tame Traffic in Astoria Park
Park advocates, a local civic association, and Council Member Costa Constantinides are calling on DOT to implement traffic calming around Astoria Park after a hit-and-run driver killed a woman just outside the park last month. The effort could grow much larger than changes to the intersection where the crash occurred: Pressure is mounting for DOT to reimagine the way motorists drive around -- and through -- the popular Queens park.
July 20, 2015
Prospect Park’s West Drive Is Now Permanently Car-Free
A week after Central Park went mostly car-free, today marked the beginning of the permanent car-free zone on the west side of Prospect Park [PDF].
July 6, 2015
De Blasio Gets More Cars Out of Central Park and Prospect Park
Starting in a few weeks, people will be able to enjoy the Central Park loop north of 72nd Street and the west side of Prospect Park year-round without having to worry about motor vehicle traffic, Mayor de Blasio and Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg announced this morning. The changes will significantly reduce motor vehicle traffic in both parks while stopping short of making either completely car-free.
June 18, 2015
Car-Free Parks: The Anticipation Builds
When City Council members Mark Levine and Helen Rosenthal withdrew a bill that would have made the entire Central Park loop car-free for three summer months, the assumption was that City Hall was preparing to lead on the issue.
May 22, 2015
Will City Hall and DOT Finally Commit to Car-Free Parks This Summer?
Spring is here, and that means the loops in Central Park and Prospect Park are increasingly crowded, with cyclists, joggers, and walkers squeezed by rush-hour traffic. Will the de Blasio administration finally make the parks car-free this summer?
April 21, 2015
Eyes on the Street: The Part of Central Park That’s Only for Cars
The Central Park loop now has a 20 mph speed limit, new lane markings, and shorter pedestrian crossings during car-free hours. The changes, implemented last week, came in response to two pedestrian fatalities in separate bicycle collisions over the summer. The park's traffic signals remain unchanged, and the park is still a shortcut for taxis and car commuters during certain hours.
December 1, 2014
Momentum Builds for Car-Free Trials in Central Park and Prospect Park
The very first Streetfilm was released 10 years ago, for a campaign that's on the verge of a major milestone today.
October 9, 2014