traffic light on EP, in front of library

xueling

Does anyone else feel like this light (crossing EP from in front of the Richard Meier bldg to the library) is really dangerous? I see people coming onto EP from Flatbush blow through the light almost every day. I'm always crossing with my two kids and it's really scary. I used to think it was just bad drivers but now I think it really must be not noticable if you're coming from Flatbush (b/c I also see people stop very suddenly as if they just realized it was there).

I called 311 and they told me I have to write a letter to the city. I can't see this making any difference if it's just one person. Anyone else find this a big problem or is it just me? I'd love for them to get someone to come out and do a one day study on what percentage of cars actually stop at that light. It doesn't help that the signals are not synchronized on both sides of that light (traffic coming from up EP gets the red signal before the other side so people think it is safe to cross).

xueling

hmmm, guess it's just me.

jgregorie

oh you arent alone. that intersection is a death trap. whenever i go for a jog i allways have to sprint from island to island in order to get to the park. it is very dangerous. there was a press conference a little awhile ago where they talked about things like building a tunnel under grand army plaza for traffic but that would be years away if ever.

best thing to do is wear running shoes and brightly colored clotheing.

easternpkwy

Xueling:

Monday, January 22, 6 PM - I think at the Library - the Grand Army Plaza Coalition is having our next meeting. I will post something here next week, but I wanted to get it on your calendar specifically. We are the group addressing all things GAP, and this issue is one of them!

rockhound

The crossing was safer when there used to be a wider crossing area between the stoplighted EB and WB traffic on EP by the library and Underhill Avenue. Then DOT eliminated the left turn at Underhill, around the same time that the one way traffic was reversed on Lincoln between Washington and Underhill.

I really hate crossing when traffic is still moving towards me. In fact, I refuse to do so, even when I have the light. Some idiots at DOT seem to expect pedestrians on Eastern Parkway and Underhill by the library to walk in front of two lanes of cars coming right at them. I wait until they stop, every time. Why are we expected to risk our lives, when the drivers are safe within their steel cocoons? Make them wait for us.

cakemaker

Subject: eastern parkway

you're not alone! I hate crossing here. Such as shame because the park is so close, yet SO far away in terms of hassle and safety! I hope the GAP assocation addresses this as a top priority. Either a little bridge or a tunnel would be the only way to address this I think.
Does anyone know how to sign up to be an association member? I live in the area and would like to attend the meetings

libbrooklyn

You are definitely not alone, every time I cross these roads (especially at night when its extra scary) I always wonder what is it taking so long for the city to realize this is so unsafe and do something about it.
This is a very serious safety hazard and should be taken care of right away.

femmedada

This is a very unsafe intersection particularly for those who cannot cross the street with youthful speed. I RUN when I cross EP. Several years ago, the cops routinely ticketed drivers who were speeding to beat the light changes. No more. I wonder why.

I agree with Xuehling that the signals need to be synchronized.

Femme

xueling

I'm glad I'm not alone in this! Between that crossing and trying to get around the construction on the corner safely with 2 children, I cry tears of joy each time I make it home alive. Since I'm so aware of the problem I'm very cautious, but it makes me nervous to see people start to cross totally unaware that cars could keep coming from the GAP roundabout.

EasternPkwy, thanks for the info on the meeting. I would love to try and get there but it will be very hard for me. It's my daughter's 3rd birthday and my husband is coming home early from work so we can celebrate. It's also my infant's bedtime so a very tricky timeframe for us. But if you think the mtg will go for awhile I will try to get to it as soon as I can. I really want something to be done about this!

In Japan there are huge networks of overpass bridges to get people safely across the busiest intersections. Something like that would work brilliantly here.