Survey Says Controversial PPW Bike Lane Is a Hit!

A recent survey conducted by Councilmembers Brad Lander and Stephen Levin suggests that for all the hubbub over the newish bike lanes along Prospect Park West in Park Slope, the overwhelming majority of Brooklyn residents are actually in favor of the traumatic change wrought by the DOT. Out of the 3,000 respondents, 78 percent say they favor the bike lane to some degree, with 22 percent calling on the DOT to revert back to the previous design, with three lanes of traffic. But along Prospect Park West itself, dissent was more pronounced.

Out of the 300 people living on PPW who responded to the survey, approval was evenly mixed with disapproval. But Streetsblog notes that if you factor in residents on the side streets off PPW, support for the keeping the re-design came in at 57 percent in the immediate neighborhood. 85% of survey respondents feel that the project has very much or somewhat met the goal of reducing speeding, while 91% feel it has very much or somewhat met the goal of creating a safer space for biking.

But many respondents still want some modifications to the bike lane. According to Lander's office, "Many pedestrians reported feeling unsafe crossing the bike lanes, and a majority (53%) of respondents felt more needs to be done to insure that cyclists yield to pedestrians. People feel vulnerable parking and exiting their cars. Nearby residents expressed opinions that the design of the bike lanes does not match the design and character of Prospect Park West. Many respondents spoke of the need for more enforcement of bike rules, double-parking, and other infractions."

Lander's office also stresses that while the survey "was not a randomly-sampled public opinion poll, substantial efforts were taken to promote broad participation and ensure the integrity of responses. The Councilmembers and Community Board conducted broad, neutral outreach, online and in person on Prospect Park West. The survey was covered in TV, print, and online media. More than 3,000 people responded, with the percent of residents on or near PPW responding to the survey (approximately 8%) much higher than percent of resident of Park Slope responding to the survey (3-4%)."