Combating Speeding up Lafayette Avenue, where cars typically exceed the 30 mph speed limit to make the next light.  Reducing vehicle speeds is the key element in improving safety: studies have shown that the likelihood of a pedestrian dying from being hit by a car traveling at 20 miles per hour is about 5%; at 30 mph, the likelihood of fatal injuries jumps to about 45%, and at 40 mph, the chance of death is about 85%.

Increasing Safety to local residents, and increasing revenue for local business.

Safer for when we, our kids, our parents and our neighbors go from home to school and work and back.  Safer for when we go to the playground, church and local shops.  Increasing pedestrian safety on streets increases everybody’s safety.  Businesses have reported increased revenue at locations where bike lanes and safety measures have been installed. 

Increasing Healthy Options

Biking and walking get us out and moving, which keeps us healthier.  Many people have chosen to commute to work by bike, which saves  money on gas, saves money on a gym membership, and helps our air quality, which helps everyone save.  But it is the short trips where my healthy choice is often the fastest and most efficient.  Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day.  A quick errand on a bike can meet the recommended daily activity level that will improve our health.  Getting there and back should not be a health hazard. 

Add an On Street Bike Lane

A bike lane will increase safe transportation options for local residents, and promote an orderly flow of traffic.   Bike lanes in New York City have been proven to reduce speeding, and increase safety for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.   Many Ft. Greene residents have stated that they would bike more if it were safer.   A bike lane on Lafayette Avenue would provide a continuous safe means of travel by bike from Downtown Brooklyn; as of now there are gaps in this bike route, as well as large areas where bicycle lanes are simply missing.  Adding this eastbound bike lane between Flatbush and Carlton in Ft. Greene would help reduce wrong-way riding on DeKalb, extending it would benefit many neighborhoods in Brooklyn.  A safe means of bike travel can reduce car trips for errands, shopping and nights out.  When surveys were performed local residents and businesses have indicated major support for safety improvements, which included new bike lanes. 

ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CALMING REQUESTS HEARD FROM YOU!

After asking for petitions, lots of neighbors have been thrilled to sign to support traffic calming and a bike lane on Lafayette Ave as well as add requests to continue to MAKE LAFAYETTE SAFER.  Additional comments for making our streets safer include:

1. *   Traffic light or stop sign at Willoughby and Washington Park.
   

2. *   SLOW turning traffic all along Lafayette Ave.
   

3. *   STOP double and triple parking at Lafayette and Fulton
   

4. *   SHORTEN crossing distances: Pioneer Market, Classon, St. James