Frontier Cyclist vol. 9, PPW Bike Lane Love

Today we tested out the new bike lane on Prospect Park West. It is sweet.

The lane runs approximately one mile from the corner of Grand Army Plaza to 15th street. As elsewhere in the city, the green paint means cars are prohibited from entering the lane. On Prospect Park West, cyclists are further protected by a row of cars parked between the bike lane and traffic. (It’s the same deal as the Kent Street bike lane along the Williamsburg waterfront).

In the past, Prospect Park West has been a site of clashes between bikers and drivers. Now some Park Slope residents tell FP that the new lane has caused conflicts between cyclists and parents with strollers. Maybe so. But on this afternoon’s test ride, we saw no signs of strife. Cyclists shared the lanes with roller bladers and kids on scooters and parents who crossed the lane with strollers. (OK, there was one jogger in headphone oblivion. But still.)

At 11th street, signs from the lane point to Celebrate Brooklyn‘s bicycle valet parking. So when you head to the Prospect Park bandshell tonight to see Passion Pit,  you can park your bike beneath a tent.  Ditto for The National, The Dead Weather, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and other Celebrate Brooklyn shows this summer.

Speaking of The National, the band provided the soundtrack for Racing Dreams, a new documentary film about three teenage go kart racers and their aspirations to become NASCAR stars. The film is now playing in Indiana and Oregon and opens July 9 in New York and July 23 in California. Check out the trailer below.

PS. If you’re riding to Prospect Park from North Brooklyn, your ride will be that much smoother thanks to new blacktop on Lafayette and Vanderbilt Avenues.

Keith Meatto is co-editor of Frontier Psychiatrist