New York Proposal to Ban Cars in Central and Prospect Parks
New York City’s Central and Prospect Parks have a regular traffic combination of walkers, runners, bicyclists, and, at the proper times, cars. However, pedestrians and bicyclists may have Central and Prospect Parks all to themselves if the recently introduced legislation by Councilwoman Gale Brewer passes.
According to NBCNewYork.com, the proposal would ban motor vehicle traffic from the six-mile loop in Manhattan’s Central Park, and the inside loop of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, in an effort to increase the amount of space and to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. Although motor vehicles are currently only allowed in Prospect Park for 4 hours throughout the day (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), those hours coincide with the before-work or after-work walk, run, or bike that many people take; thus the limited hours don’t do much for the safety of the active walkers, joggers, bikers, and inline skaters of the city.
According to a study performed by Transportation Alternatives, Central Park’s traffic volume has been found to be the lowest it has ever been, as opposed to the increasing recreational demands. The increase in recreational activities means a larger number of pedestrians and bicyclists, which, in turn, would result in more pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents in New York should motor vehicles be allowed to continue using the Central Park loop.
Almost 50 percent of New York’s transportation-related deaths are caused by pedestrian accidents, according to a decade-long study by the New York City Department of Transportation. In a city such as New York, where there is an inordinate amount of foot traffic, it is essential that any and all measures are taken to ensure pedestrian safety. If you or a loved one are a victim of a New York pedestrian accident, a dedicated personal injury attorney can provide you with the legal advice you need.
The experienced Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyers of Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP, have successfully handled various pedestrian injury cases. Our attorneys will work diligently to recover any losses or damages you or a loved one have suffered because of your injury. Call today for a free consultation at 1-212-222-4336.
