Split topic: traffic calming on Vanderbilt (was Accident on

emily · June 2005

I never see cops doing anything about the eternal drag race on Vanderbilt between Atlantic and GAP, let alone Flatbush (which I usually cross through the subway station anyway). I'm sure things will go just fine when the basketball arena is built, drawing in more impatient motorists, and the residential towers increase the population of the neighborhood. :roll: :evil:

ETA: I used to love to ride my bike but find the traffic so alarming that I've never even considered bringing my bike into the city. Glad to hear that the victim of that accident is fine--hope the motorist gets charged if they were doing something wrong.

anonymous · July 2005

Subject: Speeders on Vanderbilt

Open letter, sent to Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James that Sunday :

Dear Councilwoman James:

I am writing to you after having witnessed the second death of someone on my street by speeding traffic within the past two years. The last time, a speeding car driven from Eastern Parkway shortly after midnight lost control, pinning a young man to a wall in front of my building. The poor man had his lungs crushed and likely did not make it, although police would not release any further information. Shortly thereafter I contacted councilperson Yassky's office (it was the first number I could find), which said that they could get the traffic light timing changed to slow the speeders down. I can tell you it hasn't worked.

Today, a car with New Jersey plates going toward Grand Army Plaza struck a cyclist, who smashed into the car's windshield, flew into the air, and hit the ground with her head bleeding. She stopped shaking within 30 seconds. It was the worst thing I've ever seen. Other residents who have been here longer than me (3 years) tell me that speeders have killed more pedestrians in the past as well.

These deaths are preventable.

Speed bumps on Vanderbilt Ave. would slow traffic down. Changing the timing of the lights and/or enforcing speed limits are helpful measures, but they don't prevent impaired or reckless motorists from speeding. I am writing to you with hope that you can get speed bumps in place.

With highest regard and hopes,

James
(Full name, Address, Phone Number)

Response from Councilwoman James
I received the following reply to my e-mail within five hours, on a Sunday. Letitia James rules.

Dear Mr. Xxxxxxx:

I am not sure whether DOT would be supportive of speedbumps on a major thorough fare. However, I believe that "neckdowns" would be appropriate. We installed them on Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill and they had a calming effect on traffic. I will write DOT and forward you a copy.

thank you.

Letitia James
Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¶ 5:12 PM
Sunday, June 26, 2005

herrick · July 2005

Does anyone know what "neckdowns" are? In my industry they are a laborer who only takes instructions and doesn't think for themselves to solve problems on their own.

As for riding on the sidewalk that's what I do. How often have you all been fined $200? Do the cops really enforce this?

daveb · July 2005

I would loooove to see some speedbumps on Vanderbilt and Washington.

anonymous · July 2005

Subject: neckdowns

are streets where the sidewalks curve in towards the street, thereby creating an effect of reducing the speed of oncoming cars.

emily · July 2005

Herrick wrote: Does anyone know what "neckdowns" are? In my industry they are a laborer who only takes instructions and doesn't think for themselves to solve problems on their own.

As for riding on the sidewalk that's what I do. How often have you all been fined $200? Do the cops really enforce this?

Ah, traffic calming. One of my favorite topics!

Basically, a neckdown is when they widen the sidewalk at the corners, so that the intersection seems narrower. This makes cars slow down and gives pedestrians a shorter distance to cross.

Narrower spaces definitely work--every night, I compare the speed of traffic outside my window on Prospect (a wide street) to the speed of traffic on 3rd Place in Carroll Gardens, where I used to live. In CG, the streets have parking on both sides with just enough room for a car to pass through the middle and definitely no room to double park or pass. People there drive much slower.

I think this could have some effect on traffic speeds on Vanderbilt, but I don't think it would actually help cyclists, as the neckdowns would probably intrude on the space at the edge of the street where they ride.

OTOH, speed bumps wouldn't work--they are meant to slow traffic down to about 10 mph (I think) and Vanderbilt should be able to go at least 30-35. The problem is with the morons who try to go 55 or 60 and run the yellow light on Prospect that's meant to slow them down, only to immediately hit the red on Park. I think the lights are timed to try to slow people down, but they actually cause some people to speed up, not realizing that the lights are timed differently. That is to say, the lights probably make all trips down Vanderbilt take a little longer, but seem to increase the number of people who speed up a LOT for short bursts, trying to make a light.

rhodamine · July 2005

daveb wrote: I would loooove to see some speedbumps on Vanderbilt and Washington.

you should bring it up to transalt!

http://www.transalt.org/

im sure most of you know about transalt, but for those of you who dont, check out their site.

they are one of the most genuinely good organizations ive encoutnered in nyc, and supporting them is a good idea.

if youve ever been annoyed by traffic, or felt in danger when you walk or bike around, you should consider joining. they do good work!

isa · July 2005

I think the timing of the street lights would be a better idea than speedbumps. Ever notice the gridlock that happens where Vanderbilt goes into Grand Army Plaza? I think people are speeding to try and avoid that godforesaken light.

Split topic: traffic calming on Vanderbilt (was Accident on

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