Driver restrictions for Park loop
Newsday
By Joshua Robin

[ Return to T.A. Quotes in the Media | Read the latest news on Car-Free Central Park | View this article on the Newsday Web site ]

Drivers will no longer be allowed on Central Park's Loop Drive overnight and will find the number of entrances to the roadway significantly decreased, city Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall announced Sunday.

In a significant victory for those pushing for a car-free park, vehicles on the popular jogging and bicycling circle will be allowed only weekdays during the morning and evening rush -- from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Vehicles had previously been permitted during every weekday except from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cars are banned on the 6.5-mile loop on weekends. There is no change to the four transverse roads.

"We believe these changes will help create a better balance between recreational and motorized uses of Central Park," Weinshall stated.

The department also announced Sunday that motorists will no longer be able to access the park through four entrances -- West 90th Street, West 77th Street, East 102nd Street, and East 90th Street, as well as three exits - West 90th Street, East 102nd Street, and West 72nd Street. Those closures are expected by Nov. 29.

In yet another attempt to limit vehicles in the park, cars using West Drive between the Lenox Avenue entrance and the Seventh Avenue exit will be required to have at least one passenger between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The announcements comes less than a month after the release of a study by the Regional Plan Association showing that a ban would cause only a "barely noticeable" influx of cars on surrounding streets.

"We're pleased as punch," said Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, a pedestrian and bicyclist advocacy group. "This is the most significant step toward a car-free park in 10 years."

Transportation officials said that they would continue to monitor the effects of the changes before adding to the ban.

The department also announced a holiday traffic plan Sunday, which from Nov. 29 to Jan. 2 would establish "dedicated lanes" on Fifth and Sixth avenues in midtown. One lane on each street will be for through traffic and prohibit lane changes.

[ Return to T.A. Quotes in the Media | Read the latest news on Car-Free Central Park | View this article on the Newsday Web site ]