SPLIT: Bartel Pritchard Square TRAFFIC

brooklynpotter wrote: [quote=Flexichick]What I'd like to see more than any of that is a change in the traffic patterns and adding a light or stop sign in Bartel Pritchard Square!

frankly, i want to see how many people have to get hurt at this one before something happens.

There have been many accidents over the years. I have signed petitions on it as well (although it has been a while since I've heard of any organized action to get this improved).

rose, i'm there. tell me when.

we'd also need people on 15th, reminding them with signs that there is a speed limit.

Jodi wrote: I HATE HATE HATE it when you're driving in the right lane to turn right onto PPSW and people turn from the middle lane..... drives me nuts.

Me too, I hate that. Especially when the person in the middle lane cuts me off while I'm legally making the right turn from the right lane. Crazy stuff.

BP, I'm too lazy and disorganized to actually organize anything. But I offer up this great idea to anyone who wants to run with it.

when coming up PPSW, it's best to take a left on Windsor Place, drive a little slower and avoid the roundabout nightmare.

Subject: Bartel Pritchard Square

Found this article addressing this very same issue (link below). I've pulled a relevant excerpt. Sounds like things haven't changed much over the last 5 years.

http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/Press/2002/mar13.htm

March 13, 2002
DOT to Implement Traffic Changes to Bartel Pritchard Square

Good News for Pedestrians in Park Slope and Windsor Terrace

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will soon implement changes to Bartel Pritchard Square, the traffic circle at the intersection of Prospect Park West, 15th Street and Prospect Park Southwest. Area residents have long complained that the current situation is dangerous for pedestrians.

Barbara Barran, Secretary of the Park Slope Civic Council, had tried for years to get DOT to respond to the community’s concerns. Earlier this year, after receiving an e-mail from Ms. Barran, Borough President Marty Markowitz set up a meeting with DOT officials, Assembly Member James Brennan, Council Member Bill de Blasio, and the district managers of Community Boards 6 and 7. At the conclusion of the meeting, DOT agreed to implement changes to protect pedestrians.

The changes involve a 30-second dedicated pedestrian crossing phase during which all car traffic stops, as well as restricted lanes for cars turning onto Prospect Park Southwest.

"For years, residents complained about this location, and pedestrians were put at severe harm," said Borough President Markowitz. "I believe that, as in other great cities, the courtesy should always go to pedestrians. Thanks to DOT, pedestrians will now be able to cross safely."