Pedestrian

08/06/2026 - 22:37

First: I am not a cyclist. I am a resident of Dean Street, and have lived in Brooklyn for over 15 years. I have an infant child, and while I don’t currently own a car in the city, I have rented countless times for trips in and outside of the city. As I read the comments shared to date, I repeatedly find myself asking three questions: (1) Why, as a driver, do you feel entitled to free parking in front of your home? (2) Why, as a long-term resident of this block, is your opinion more valid than that of someone who moved here recently? (3) Why is your convenience more important than anyone else’s safety? This is a city with the highest density of pedestrians and non-car transit in the country. Rather than embrace it, many of these comments rail against one of the things that makes this city unique, wonderful, and inclusive. As a parent, what makes me feel unsafe is attempting to cross the street with a stroller when a car is parked in the crosswalk. As a parent, what makes me feel unsafe is nearly being run over by cars that gun the light to make a turn while I have the right of way to cross the street. As a parent, what makes me feel sad is that my child can’t enjoy playing a game on our block because of the drivers that feel entitled to park illegally, speed, and choke our block with exhaust by idling (including, as one commenter pointed out, worshippers that attend the local religious centers). As a homeowner, what makes me feel sad is watching drivers dispose of trash onto the streets because they are transient visitors, honk incessantly, and show little care for the neighborhood I call home. Yes, cyclists can sometimes be inconsiderate, but my experience with them pales in comparison to my myriad experiences with drivers. I dream of a city that models itself after places like Tokyo, Paris, Amsterdam, or even London, where vehicles aren’t entitled to every square inch of public space. I wholeheartedly embrace the concept of a bike boulevard, whether or not I ever use it, and I would strongly encourage my neighbors to look beyond themselves and consider their community. And if they can’t do that, consider this: a bike boulevard will provide a healthier, quieter environment for you and your loved ones. And maybe, just maybe, will increase property values.

Bike

08/04/2026 - 15:35

If it ain't bnoken? Don't fix it. At least on Dean between Smith and Fourth Avenue, the current system works. Bikes use the bike path. They get where they need to go. Sometimes, they come into the street to go faster or avoid a doiuble-parked car. But it works out. There are plenty of bikes and cars and parking and pedestrians and very few if any accidents involving bikes. Pedestrians feel safe. Why upend that and make life difficult when it's fine now? Not to mention, these parking spots often are taken by city workers anyway. Teachers. People at the courts. I can't speak to east of fourth avenue. But I've been here 15 years. The last thing we need is a whole new way to live on these streets.

Driving

08/01/2026 - 21:40

Taking away parking is going to make matters worse especially when there are events at the Barclays. Lets come to some middle ground. Prevent Trucks from driving there, put the bus routes on Atlantic and put speed bumps to prevent drivers from speeding down the street. Removing an entire parking lane is a really bad idea.