Shared Streets

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, expanded Downtown Brooklyn’s network of Shared Streets to more of the neighborhood’s core blocks. The expansion stems from the success of 2019’s Willoughby Shared Street, the increasing need to adapt public space for use by pedestrians and cyclists, and the recommendations of DBP’s Public Realm Action Plan, which puts forward a plan for the streetscape that prioritizes people over cars and trucks.

The success of the Willoughby Shared Street led to the summer 2022 expansion of the network to include Hoyt Street (from Fulton to Willoughby Street), Bridge Street (from Fulton to Livingston Street), and Elm Place (from Fulton to Livingston Street). This expansion addresses the need to adapt public space for use by pedestrians and cyclists, and the recommendations of DBP’s Public Realm Action Plan, which puts forward a plan for the streetscape that prioritizes people over cars and trucks.

The 2022 expansion includes the conversion to a full time “Shared Street” configuration, where pedestrians and cyclists share space with vehicles that are restricted to a 5mph speed limit, modeled on what has already proven safe and successful in many cities including Seattle, Pittsburgh, Melbourne, and Barcelona.

DOT and DBP have implemented a series of alterations, including:

• Adding curb extensions and shortening pedestrian crossings on select streets
• Adding bollards, planters, street furniture, and new signage and bicycle corrals
• Traffic calming measures with an advisory 5MPH vehicle speed limit
• Adding signature Asphalt Art to pedestrian spaces to enliven the streetscape and increase safety

Find out more about Shared Streets here, as well as DBP’s Public Realm Action Plan.

Questions? Please email us at info@downtownbrooklyn.com