Eyes on the Street: Neighbors Get Better Bike Lane

Somehow we doubt it's going to make Iris Weinshall, Norm Steisel and Louise Hainline feel any better (what with the threat of another lawsuit), but construction is now underway on pedestrian islands along the Prospect Park West bike lane.

Once complete, the islands will provide easier crossings for pedestrians -- who have already benefited from shorter crossing distances and calmer traffic -- and additional beautification and greenery to the street.

Those improvements, which were unanimously approved by the local community board, should allay the concerns of those who criticized the lane for its aesthetic impact on the street and its supposed deleterious effect on pedestrian safety (claims that, again, were baseless to begin with). Renderings show street trees planted in the islands, which would help protect cyclists in the two-way lane.

It's also a bit more difficult to rip concrete out of the ground than to take away a bike lane made only of paint.

For more construction shots, head below the fold or to this Flickr album.