* The BERGEN-SMITH neckdown has been added, and bike racks may be on the way. Check out all the great press it's gotten from Brownstoner, Cobble Hill Blog, and twice on Streetsblog here AND here!
Project Volunteer Lead: Paco
Project Mission: Follow in the footsteps of the 2007 Williamsburg Bike Parking Swap, and encourage additional neckdown/bike parking combinations at appropriate intersections in Brooklyn.
"How Can I Help?"
Join our mailing list to stay informed, join this group to message Paco if you have intersections in mind for other parking swaps, and check out this BERGEN STREET BIKE SWAP PRESENTATION aiming to get a parking swap improvement in Boerum Hill at the Bergen and Smith Street intersection. And for a complete overview of the plan, proposal, and strategy for success.... read below.
What's a 'Parking Swap?'
A parking swap is a simple re-allocation of space that takes space given just to park cars, and instead gives it a better use. National Park(ing) Day demonstrates the amazing potential of just one mere space as a temporary installation, so imagine the possibilities if it were permanent? A sitting area... a wider sidewalk... bike parking... information kiosks... greenery... anything is possible.
How do I make a 'Parking Swap?'
In New York City, the Department of Transportation controls the road and sidewalks, so the decision is up to them. Fortunately, they're no long just focused on 'moving cars' and instead want to 'move people' efficiently and sustainably. If you know of an intersection that would benefit from such traffic calming, try asking them to consider a parking swap, but do not do it alone. There's no set order of how to get support for the idea, but cast a wide net and mull over these suggestions...- Choose the location wisely. Its a small change that can improve quality of life for lots of people so best bets are areas with high pedestrian volumes such as near subway stations, bus stops, or heavily trafficked downtown-esqe areas.
- A parking swap has many benefits (shorten crosswalks, more pedestrian space) but also acts a traffic calming device in that it narrows the driver's sense of allotted space, which in turns cause them to move slower (think about a 6 lane highway where you can go 90 vs. a street so narrow you can barely fit and instead you creep through at 10 mph). With this in mind, choose a intersection where speeding/ running lights is problematic... and look to a parking swap as a possible remedy.
- Think about costs. Everything comes down to money, and if there are storm drains, sewers, hydrants, or other elements of infrastructure that already exist... a fully poured concrete sidewalk addition may be too problematic. Instead, maybe just as for large planters that could reclaim space, or simple plastic flexi bollards which wouldn't incur constriction costs to move pipes etc. Also look to see if there are improvements already slated for an intersection, upon which your parking swap ideas could be added. The proposal for the parking swap at Bergen/Smith goes hand in hand with a call for a neckdown in the vicinity as part of the Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming project, which DOT has fund for, but has been slow to follow through with.
- Reach out to your community, on all levels. Engage the residents and businesses cause their opinions are vital. It may take some convincing and patience, but if they sign on letters of support, it goes a long way assuring DOT the idea has merits. As an example, look at page 8 of this BERGEN STREET BIKE SWAP presentation and notice all the businesses that sent in their own letters of support. Other stakeholders whose onions may help could include....
- Speak with as many businesses in the immediate vicinity. Call or email to introduce the idea, or walk in and talk with the owners or managers to explain it. For the Bergen/Smith example, friendly discussions were had with over a dozen shops near the intersections, and several signed letters of support.
- Talk to residents and property owners. They live there and have a say in their community, and if someone owns an entire building it's easy to explain the many benefits of giving their renters more space and accommodations right outside their front door.
- Elected officials are key too. They have contacts with DOT, political influence, and most importantly funds at their disposal. They coudl perhaps support the project, much like Councilman David Yassky's office financially contributed to the Williamsburg swap.
- Local civic groups, schools, senior centers, pretty much any place that helps people in the neighborhood can benefit from a parking swap. The shortened crosswalk makes it easier for older people and small children to cross the street. The narrowed road causes cars to drive slower. And the extra space can perhaps be given to more bike parking, perfect for anyone riding to mass transit near the intersection.