Navigating the perimeter of Brooklyn’s backyard on two wheels is about to get a whole lot smoother. 🚲
As first reported by Gothamist, the city is officially breaking ground today on a massive, $16.25 million safety overhaul that will bring a world-class protected bike lane to the park’s eastern and southern borders, plus so much more.
Here is everything you need to know about the transformation of Ocean and Parkside Avenues:
What exactly is changing?
This isn’t just a fresh coat of green paint.
The project is a total restoration of the park’s perimeter and the centerpiece is a new two-way protected bike lane running along Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue.
Unlike standard lanes that sit at street level, this one will be elevated to sidewalk level, physically separating cyclists from car traffic with granite cobblestones and a “grass verge” filled with new trees and historic street lighting.
The project highlights include:
- A Sidewalk-Level Bike Path: Complete physical separation from the street for maximum safety.
- 152 New Trees: While some unhealthy trees will be removed, the city is planting over 150 new ones to create a lush, shaded “allée” along the park.
- Shirley Chisholm Monument: The project will culminate in a brand-new pedestrian plaza at the intersection of Ocean and Parkside Avenues, featuring a monument to the Brooklyn trailblazer.
- Upgraded Amenities: New historic-style lighting, benches, and improved drainage to eliminate those massive puddles that form after a storm.
Why is this happening now?
According to Patch, this project has been in the works for years. Parkside Avenue has long been one of the more treacherous stretches for cyclists, serving as a high-traffic connector between Flatbush and Ocean Avenues.
The goal is to mirror the success of the Flatbush Avenue perimeter project completed back in 2020, which made the northern side of the park significantly more accessible and pedestrian-friendly.
How long will construction last?
The DOT and the Prospect Park Alliance are taking a “phased” approach to minimize the headache for locals.
Work will be done in 800-foot segments, with each phase expected to take about two months.
Construction starts today at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Ocean Avenue and will work its way around the park’s edge.
While two lanes of vehicle traffic will be maintained in each direction, they will be slightly narrowed to help calm traffic—so expect a few minor delays if you’re driving through the area.
Stay tuned to Secret NYC for more updates on the project and the best ways to enjoy Prospect Park this spring!
