Pulaski Bridge Bike & Pedestrian Lane Project Summary

January 2009

Overview

As long-time cyclists, TA members, and commuters in NYC, we are researching and advocating for the creation of a protected bike lane on the Pulaski bridge between Greenpoint, Brooklyn and Long Island City, Queens Separate pedestrian and bike paths are critically needed on the bridge to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike. In addition, our goal is to facilitate efficient multi-nodal access between North Brooklyn, Long Island City, eastern Queens, and important public transit hubs to and from Manhattan and other parts of the City. 

Pulaski Bridge

The Pulaski Bridge is the main traffic route between Long Island City, Queens and Greenpoint/Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It currently has 6 vehicular lanes (three northbound and three southbound ), and a narrow raised sidewalk on the west side. While configured as a drawbridge to accommodate commercial water traffic on the Newtown Creek, its use as such has become relatively rare.

The Concern

As the population of northern Greenpoint has expanded significantly in recent years, with more people accessing the #7subway line in Long Island City, and the city experiencing an increase in cycling in general, the sidewalk has become overcrowded, and the site of major bike/pedestrian conflict. The roadways, on the other hand, appear to be underutilized. There is clearly a need to safely accommodate the increased number of pedestrians and bicyclists; space for automated vehicles appears to be more than sufficient. Vehicles often speed over the bridge well beyond the posted speed limit, further endangering traffic on both sides.

The Solution

A bridge with a separate and protected pedestrian walkway, a separate and protected bicycle path, and auto lanes without bicycle traffic is a necessity. We propose to accomplish this by converting part of the vehicular roadway into a safe and separated bicycle path. This would eliminate bicycles from the sidewalk, making it pedestrian-only in practice as well as theory. No more conflict between bikes and pedestrians, or between bikes and vehicular traffic, leading to a safer and more efficient bridge for all users.

Current User Configuration

Pedestrians: The sidewalk is as narrow as 5 feet across in some places. Despite the sidewalk being designated as pedestrian-only, pedestrians are constantly in danger of being hit by bicycles. Even when bicyclists walk their bikes, the walkway is often too narrow for two cyclists walking their bikes to pass each other comfortably.

Bicycles: The Pulaski Bridge is the only way for North Brooklyn residents to get to the Queensboro Bridge, and is the easiest way for most North Brooklyn residents to get to Midtown Manhattan. Currently, riders have two choices: to dismount and walk their bike over the pedestrian walkway, or to ride in the auto traffic lane. The bridge is currently very dangerous to ride over: it is a truck route, and the joints where the drawbridge sections meet often have large gaps that are hazardous to bicyclists.

Autos: Because of the lack of bike paths and the increase in cycling in the neighborhood, the car lanes are regularly used by bicyclists. On almost all other city bridges there is a dedicated bicycle lane. In addition, the roadway of the Pulaski bridge is built on an arc which obscures the view at short distances. As a result, drivers are not likely to notice bicycles in the car path, leading to a dangerous situation for both autos and bicycles.

With Separated Lanes

Pedestrians: Enjoy increased safety without cyclist traffic.

Bicycles: Experience a direct, safe, route from North Brooklyn to Long Island City. In addition, with the Pulaski easier and safer to cross, more bike riders from North Brooklyn would use the logical Pulaski/59^th street route to get to and from Midtown Manhattan.

Autos: Maximize safety with the confidence of vehicle-only use. Because of moderate vehicular use of the Pulaski, the flow of bridge traffic would be largely unaffected. In addition, narrowing the roadway is likely to have a traffic-calming effect.

Design Considerations

DOT is clearly in the best position to explore design possibilities. In addition to planning and engineering necessities, we encourage the following considerations:

1. ensure that the drawbridge joints are redesigned for optimum bicycle safety

2. examine all bridge entries and exits to provide the safest options for all users

3. ensure that the route and stops of the B61 bus are not in conflict with the proposed paths

4. plan pro-actively for the re-designed pedestrian and bike paths to be easily linked with the Brooklyn Greenway and a future bike route between the Pulaski and Queensboro bridges.

Our plan is to raise awareness of the issues through significant outreach, and to generate collaborative, efficient solutions to create safe cycling, walking, and driving on the Pulaski bridge. We will:

•  Request sign-on and coordinate with Queens TA Committee (achieved 12/8/08 at TA Queens Committee meeting)
• Educate users of the bridge about the issues, seek support and input on their concerns
• Garner official support from Brooklyn CB1, Queens CB2, and local elected officials
• Create an on-line petition for public support of the project in both neighborhoods
• Organize a rally and TA awareness ride in the spring of 2009
• Present our plan and work in partnership with DOT to implement it
  

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