Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Brooklyn

Eyes on the Street: Drivers Flout New Prospect Park Law

prospect_park_cars.jpg

For pedestrians, yesterday was a grand opening of sorts at the 3rd Street entrance to Prospect Park. The city officially closed off this access point to cars, giving people on foot a safe, unimpeded crossing and some additional car-free space during the p.m. rush. Before long, however, the barricades somehow shifted several feet to the right, creating an illegal traffic lane (the handiwork of a miffed motorist, the theory goes).

Half an hour after the closure took effect, reader David Alquist snapped these pics of drivers taking advantage of the opening and disregarding the posted sign. It's a familiar sight, and one that park visitors shouldn't have to put up with any more. We're told the 78th Precinct will have a traffic cop stationed here at rush hour today to enforce the new rule and help motorists adjust. Something like this might also do the trick. In case you're wondering, when the city completes the protected bike path along Prospect Park West, this entrance will be kept clear of parked cars in order to maintain access for emergency vehicles and cyclists.

Back to David's pics. Note the parents and young children on the other side of the barrier...

cars_park_family.jpg

One more after the jump.

cars_park.jpg

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

SEE IT: Cops Violently Arrest Teen Riding Citi Bike in Alphabet City

Three cops slammed a teenager to the ground, pulled his hair and knelt on his head — for allegedly riding a Citi Bike "in a reckless manner."

August 29, 2025

‘Pedestrianize’ the Financial District, Lower Manhattan Council Member Says

Downtown Council Member Chris Marte says the city refuses to launch a $500K downtown pedestrianization study funded by his predecessor.

August 29, 2025

Friday Video: The Problem With … ‘Friday Video’?!

The urbanism YouTube sphere is thriving — but who's getting the views?

August 29, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Parking Madness Edition

A single new block of green-painted bike lane makes illegal parking by cops from the 114th Precinct even more illegal. Plus more news.

August 29, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Menace of Prosperity

Daniel Wortel-London on his new book, "The Menace of Prosperity: New York City and the Struggle for Economic Development, 1875–1981."

August 28, 2025

MONEY TALKS: Business Interests Call the Shots in Eric Adams’s New York

Forget the bribery charges — you don't have to break the law to buy influence in the Big Apple.

August 28, 2025
See all posts