Grand Army Plaza Bollards: Saving Lives and Wrecking Cars
The scene on Monday morning at the pedestrian refuge island in the middle of Flatbush Avenue between Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Public Library.
12:51 PM EST on November 8, 2006
The scene on Monday morning at the pedestrian refuge island in the middle of Flatbush Avenue between Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Public Library.
The bollards this guy smashed into surround the infamous pedestrian refuge island where the “little walk man” beckons people into the middle of Flatbush Avenue and then sadistically traps them there as heavy traffic flies by on both sides. Some say that DOT has made some improvements in the signal timing at this intersection. Others say it hasn’t changed. Calls to DOT on this question have gone unanswered for about two weeks now. More:
Aaron Naparstek is the founder and former editor-in-chief of Streetsblog. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Naparstek's journalism, advocacy and community organizing work has been instrumental in growing the bicycle network, removing motor vehicles from parks, and developing new public plazas, car-free streets and life-saving traffic-calming measures across all five boroughs. He was also one of the original cast members of the "War on Cars" podcast. You can find more of his work on his website.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Thursday’s Headlines: The AV Future Edition
Is New York City ready for the driverless future? It's coming either way. Plus other news.
March 26, 2026
Former NYPD Chief Admits Giving ‘Free Pass’ to City Workers, Right Wing Allies
NYPD officers ignore transgressions by drivers if they happen to be listeners of right-wing radio host Sid Rosenberg, according to former Chief of Department John Chell.
March 25, 2026
Mamdani Budget Could Tank Queens Subway Expansion He Once Supported
Mayor Mamdani's budget funds a High Line-like Queens park that could prevent future attempts to revive a deactivated rail line.
March 25, 2026
D.C. Advocates Sue To Save Key Bike Lane From Trump
We previously reported that the Trump administration might soon move to dismantle key cycle tracks in the nation's capital. Unfortunately, we were right.
March 25, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.