Brooklyn

Temporary Chicanes Calm Mr. Eckerson’s Neighborhood

StreetFilms' Clarence Eckerson, Jr., shows how the alternate side dance can slow traffic.

By Brad Aaron

3:36 PM EDT on March 11, 2008

StreetFilms’ Clarence Eckerson, Jr., shows how the alternate side dance can slow traffic.

On alternate side of the street parking days, many communities in
Brooklyn have worked out a deal so car owners are allowed to double
park without impunity so the streets can get their weekly brushing.
(Okay, let’s not touch that argument today.) During the interim
switchover when drivers are relocating their cars – usually lasting
about 15 to 20 minutes – chicanes are temporarily created, which
delightfully slow car speeds to more human levels.

Brad Aaron

Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.