Park going traffic-lite
Daily News
By Cristina Silva

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Central Park is going greener and cleaner - with fewer cars and a lower speed limit.
To make more space for runners, skaters and wildlife lovers, the city is launching a new phased-in overhaul of the park's traffic pattern.

Look for a new 25-mph speed limit, down from 30 mph, and fewer vehicle entrances.

You will need at least one passenger to use the park's West Drive, between Lenox Ave. and Seventh Ave., during the morning rush hour.

And starting Jan. 3, the park will be closed altogether to vehicles from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"This is a signal that the city is giving more weight to the concerns of people over vehicles," said Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives.

Every year, more than 20 parkgoers are injured in accidents involving cars, White said.

"I hate it. It's like you look up and, boom, there's a big truck in your face," said Leslie Pier, 23, an avid runner who goes to school in Manhattan.

Jonathan Brier, 43, said the changes are long overdue.

"It's about time they did something like this. Between keeping track of your heart rate and jogging straight, we don't need to also worry about dodging cars," said Brier, a teacher who runs in the park every morning.

But taxi driver Omar Kraweic predicted the restricted roadways will lead to increased congestion.

"It certainly won't make my job any easier," said Kraweic, 43.

Starting next Monday, vehicle entrances and exits at W. 90th St., W. 77th St., E. 102nd St., E.90th St., and W.72nd St., will be closed. The 21 other park entrances will be open.

To ease holiday gridlock, park roads will remain open all day from Nov. 29 to Jan. 2.

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