Blinking lights could certainly be another good experiment to try, and I hope DOT goes for it. Anything that could keep pedestrians from incorrectly assuming that bicycles will stop at lights meant for cars is a step in the right direction. And if it has the added benefit of alerting those bicycle racers that think the loop is their own personal velodrome to be careful of and courteous to other legitimate park users, then it might not be a waste of bulbs.

But I think it's important that the number of lights be kept to a well thought-out minimum -- the lights placed only where they're really relevant, so that they call attention to themselves as "Actually Important" -- otherwise, eventually they're likely to be ignored like the boy who cried "Wolf!"

What is needed is SOMETHING to reduce cyclist/pedestrian conflicts at crosswalks on the loop. Cyclists need a signal that they can't just blow on by at 25 mph, a warning that there is a potential hazard ahead. At the same time, expecting cyclists and other recreators to scrupulously observe traffic signals made for cars is unrealistic. We'll see if Parks/DOT ever actually follows through on my suggestion.

Regarding Glenn's suggestion about the unnecessary traffic lights in the park. Rather than program these lights to blink during car-free hours, for years I've been wondering how much energy (and dollars) would be saved if those useless, misleading, car-enabling stoplights would simply *be turned off altogether* during hours when cars are officially banned from the park. This would actually be a lot more than 10-12 hrs/day (for all but the SE corner of the loop). Has anyone ever actually done a count of bulbs used and watts wasted during the (north-)east loop's actual 7PM-3PM car-free hours (20 hrs/day) and the west loop's 7PM-8AM & 10AM-3PM car-free hours (16 hrs/day)? And don't forget the 72nd st. crossover's additional 4 car-free hours from 3-7PM and the entire loop's 7PM Friday to 8AM Monday car-free hours. I assume it would only be a drop in the city's bucket, but out of a few billions drops -- especially such tasty symbolic ones -- we could be talkin' real savings!

So sorry, but we've all got to share!

Friendly Note to DOT: One thing that really irks me is those traffic lights. If they are only in use for 10-12 hours a day, can they just go to blinking yellow or red? During the other 150 hours the lights are completely ignored by the "official" vehicles of various designations that roam the Park and taken somewhat seriously by infrequent visitors. It would be better IMHO to have a "yield to pedestrian" sign or signal of some sort.

Here's to our Parks being true place of quiet contemplation!

Grass.

Clarence, lol and thanks for the mad props! I nominate "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" for the kickoff.

"people who noticed that weekday car-free hours in Central and Prospect Parks remained intact during the holidays and were pleased."

This statement from your article is misleading.
"people who noticed that both Central and Prospect Park remained car-free during the holidays and were pleased."

e.g. Q: "Ms. Motorist, aren't you furious that this year the city is closing the Central Park loop, which is funded by your tax dollars, to traffic during the most congested days of the year, when people could really use the relief?"
A: Grrr!

as opposed to...

Q: "Ms. Gothamite, aren't you pleased that this year the city is opening the Central Park loop, which is funded by your tax dollars, to tourists and city-dwellers alike in order to celebrate the holiday season by strolling or cycling in New York City's most beautiful park?"
A: Great!

Fantastic job, DOT and TA!