And we believe that the vast majority of Brooklynites, many of whom don't own cars themselves, support a car-free Prospect Park. Of course, we recognize the need for legitimate emergency vehicles to use the park when appropriate, and we suggest that a car-free park would help these vehicles save time as a quick shortcut. Five Reasons to Close the Park to Cars It will restore the park to its intended and desired role as a refuge from the danger and noise of city streets. It will save lives, increase the quality of life for the thousands of Brooklyn residents who live near and use the park, and it will help protect the park's fragile ecosystem. It will reduce the threat from reckless, lawless motorists who create an atmosphere of fear and rudeness in the park.
Police report that it is impossible to use radar to enforce speed laws in the park.
This makes the park a magnet that attracts speeders and reckless drivers to our neighborhood. It will eliminate the confusion caused by the complicated schedule of closings and openings and the lane designations that poorly serve two groups of users. By removing motor vehicle traffic, adequate space can be safely, clearly designated for recreational users. It will address a significant safety problem which will otherwise get worse. Current trends mean that more and more people of all ages require more space for bicycling, rollerblading, and other leisure pursuits.