Construction is set to begin on the Brooklyn Bridge’s Manhattan approach. Fortunately, the DOT has adopted some of the safety improvements suggested by Brooklyn traffic planner Carolyn Konheim and supported by T.A.

Konheim, along with former DOT traffic calming planner Michael King, and City Council member Katherine Freed persuaded the DOT to put a fence between cyclists and pedestrians at the crosswalk connecting the bridge’s promenade to the Municipal Building. The fence reduces conflicts and eliminates the need for “bike dismount” signs. Additionally, DOT agreed to move the crosswalk connecting the promenade to City Hall Park substantially northward, bringing it more in line with where most pedestrians want to walk.

Unfortunately, the DOT rejected a far superior design developed by the team of Konheim, King and former City Planning bicycle specialist Jackson Wandres. This talented team proposed a bike roundabout centered on a planned decorative bird fountain. The innovative roundabout would slow cyclists and direct them to the proper exit/entry points. Additionally, the team’s plan allowed cyclists to move with, not against, traffic flow and safely enter the traffic stream.

When completed, the DOT’s rebuilding of the bridge entrance will close two stairwells on the promenade and remove stanchions supporting large highway-type signs.

For more on the Brooklyn Bridge, see Fiboro Bridges.