Of course, we're talking about art vending.

The idea dates back to at least the 1990s -- in 2003, the creators of Central Park's "The Gates" appealed to Mayor Bloomberg to drop it -- and is based on the city's claim that artists are taking up too much room, causing congestion and safety issues for park-goers. The new rules [PDF] would curtail the number of vendors and vending locations by up to 80 percent in Union Square Park, Battery Park, on the High Line, and in some sections of Central Park (see maps here). Tomorrow's hearing will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Chelsea Recreation Center, 430 W. 25th Street.

It's not clear who's clamoring for a vendor crackdown. In an informal survey, the advocates at the Street Vendor Project found that most people in Union Square Park like the art vendors just fine.

Whatever the motive, this seems like a solution in search of a problem. The vendors don't impede pedestrian movement any more than the Union Square Greenmarket or the line snaking around Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Regardless of personal opinions about the quality of their wares, art vendors bring life and vitality to areas intended for human-scale activity. Clearing them out of public spaces en masse misses the point of what city gathering places are all about. To quote urbanist William H. Whyte, "What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people."

If Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe is truly concerned about safety, and park patrons being crammed into tight, contested spaces, he could start with this:

Photo of Central Park loop on Earth Day 2010: Ken Coughlin

This photo from the Parks Department vault depicts what appears to be a pavement painting during Thomas Hoving's tenure as commissioner.

Hoving died last week at the age of 78. In his later years, he remained a supporter of car-free parks. After meeting up with Hoving in 2003, car-free Central Park advocate Ken Coughlin received this email, in which the former commissioner explained exactly who has the legal authority to make New York City parks car-free. In light of the NYPD's recent foray into traffic policy, the message is extremely timely.

The 1961 City Charter provisions stating that Traffic Commissioner is in charge of Traffic Flow but Parks Commissioner can select curb lines and park entrance gates are still in effect. Benepe needs no legislation, executive order or act of the almighty to close 24-7-365. He needs to get his courage perking.

ALL the arguments against any closing which will emerge today surfaced when I closed Central the first time, 6 a.m to 9 a.m. that Sunday

• Traffic would jam from Tampa to Maine
• NYC transport systems would collapse
• Huge economic loss, Etc., etc.

But nothing happened.

In three months -- you can even check to Parks Horti records -- the trees on the drive flourished. It was as if a cloud of poison had been lifted from them.

Car carbon dioxide is like second-hand smoking. Which suggests that if permanent closing advocates use this as an argument Bloomberg can hardly be against it.

In contrast -- or, conceivably, as a complement -- to the L.A. Times portrait of city cycling, here's a Streetfilm from Elizabeth Press, shot yesterday at Transportation Alternatives' Bike Month NYC kick-off.

At a press conference held in the new 14th Street plaza, DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan talks about present and future street-level improvements, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe sums up progress on greenways, and Health & Mental Hygiene Assistant Commish Jane Beddell promotes biking as part of the solution to the city's obesity problem. TA's Paul Steely White then gives a quick run-down of some of the 200+ Bike Month events.

L-R: DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, Transportation Alternatives Director Paul Steely White and Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe at this morning's Bike Month NYC event on 9th Avenue.

Benepe with White and Streetsblog Publisher Mark Gorton.

Photos: Will Sherman/Transportation Alternatives 

Following Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe's recent reminder for "Parkies" to drive safely and the revocation of parking permits on Central Park's East Drive, the Parks Dept. recently sent out another mass e-mail to employees noting that "in the last few months we have seen an increase in vehicle accidents." From a tipster:

From: Broadcast Message
Sent: Fri 8/17/2007 12:18 PM
Subject: Important Vehicle Safety Message

It has been a busy summer so far at Parks, and we are successfully serving millions of New Yorkers and visitors. We are also doing so with hundreds of new staff who have recently joined the agency.

As we perform our vital roles, we must ensure that the public and our staff stay safe. Safety is especially important when it comes to vehicles and equipment. In the last few months, we have seen an increase in vehicle accidents. All of us must emphasize the importance of caution and care when driving vehicles and begin a renewed focus on reducing our accident rate. Accidents can jeopardize our patrons and staff, disrupt operations, and cost time and money. The majority of our accidents involve rear-ending other vehicles or hitting non-moving objects. These can and should be prevented.

Some things everyone should remember:

* You may not operate vehicles in active use areas such as ball fields or playgrounds without a guide outside the vehicle ensuring the safety of our patrons.

* You must follow all traffic and parking laws including restrictions on double parking and parking on public sidewalks.

* You may not drive a vehicle while using a cell phone, unless you use a hands free set. Pay attention to the road at all times.

* You are not to operate vehicles on park paths, closed drives, boardwalks or other active use spaces unless you must do so for direct work activities. Vehicles are to be operated on active use park areas only when absolutely necessary.

* No one may commute with a Parks vehicle - City owned, donated, or leased -without expressed written authorization from Operations. City EZ Passes may never be used for personal commutes.

* Parks offers the State Defensive Driving Course for all Parks Authorized Drivers, free of charge.

* Out of City trips with Parks vehicles must be approved by Operations. 

Thank you.

Photo: BlancheandGuy on Flickr 

Thanks to Streetsblog tipsters who've written in about the evening rush closure of Prospect Park's East Drive. This sign went up Friday at the corner of Parkside and Ocean Avenues.

This just in from DOT:

City transportation and parks commissioners today announced the extension of weekday recreational hours in Prospect Park as part of a citywide effort to encourage outdoor activity and cleaner air. Beginning on Monday August 27, 2007, motor vehicles will only be allowed to use the park’s East Drive from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and its West Drive from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The announced change discontinues evening vehicle access to the East Drive (currently permitted from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.).

“These traffic changes will create new opportunities for children and families to enjoy the Prospect Park drive on weekday afternoons. In his sustainability plan, Mayor Bloomberg urged us to ‘re-imagine the public realm.’ What better place to start than our greatest and most-visited parks?” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “Our goal is to let the park be a park as much of the time as possible.”

“The increase of recreation-only hours on the drive in Prospect Park mirrors a similar increase enabled in Central Park a few weeks ago. Now there will be even more hours devoted to car-free bicycling, running, blading, and simply sauntering. Both parks will be cleaner and greener, and their users happier and healthier” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his leadership in making New York a more livable and sustainable city, and Commissioner Sadik-Khan and the Department of Transportation for continuing their work to balance the needs of all New Yorkers.”

Currently, vehicular traffic is allowed on the West Drive of Prospect Park between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on the East Drive from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. The park will continue to be closed to motor vehicles mid-day, overnight and during weekends.

Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC 2030 calls for making the City’s parks more accessible by expanding usable hours and increasing available athletic options. These reductions will further improve the parks’ overall traffic flow, minimize potential pedestrian/vehicle conflicts, and make available additional space for non-vehicular uses.

Guess the fix wasn't in after all.

Photo: Michael Hansen

Dear Parkies,

We’re halfway through the summer and I know that you have been working hard to give New Yorkers a safe, clean and enjoyable experience at our parks, recreation centers, beaches and pools. Many Parkies have gone beyond the call of duty this summer. The lifeguards at Coney Island were recently faced with a dangerous situation and dealt with it in a professional manner, keeping beach goers and their fellow employees out of harm’s way while trying to save a life. Their actions and attitude set an inspirational example for all of us.

Many New Yorkers write to me about their experiences in parks and it is heartening to read about the great work you’re doing. However, I also occasionally receive complaints about the behavior of Parks employees. These complaints range from employees who are rude, to employees who yell and swear at Park patrons, to reckless drivers in Parks vehicles who may endanger pedestrians. We know that most of our employees are true professionals who are always polite.

That’s why I encourage you all to put your best face forward, even in trying situations. If you simply treat all our visitors the way you would want to be treated, everyone will have a great day in our parks.

Thank you,

Adrian Benepe, Commissioner

Photo: SuperEvilBrian on Flickr

New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe today announced further restrictions on vehicular traffic in Central Park. Beginning on Monday August 6, 2007, vehicles will only be allowed to use the West Drive from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

"Central Park is busy in the mornings with walkers, joggers and cyclists," said DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan. "I am pleased we will be able to provide additional time for everyone to utilize the park free from vehicles."

"These new traffic hours will continue to improve the quality of life and safety for all park visitors," Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said. " I'd like to thank Commissioner Sadik-Khan and the Department of Transportation for continuing their work to balance the needs of all New Yorkers."

Currently, vehicular traffic is allowed on the West Drive of Central Park between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., while the East Drive is only open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (the East Drive from Sixth Avenue to 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Under the new restrictions, effective August 6, 2007, morning vehicular access will be limited to the West Drive from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The park will continue to be closed to motor vehicles overnight and during the weekends.

The speed limits at both parks will remain 25 mph. The HOV restrictions for Central Park's West Drive, in effect since November 29, 2004, will also remain in place. These reductions will further improve the parks' overall traffic flow, minimize potential pedestrian/vehicle conflicts, and make available additional space for non-vehicular uses.

Dear Parks Patron,

Thank you for your letter regarding bicycling in Central Park.

I understand your frustration with a system that seems to make travel through the park more difficult for cyclists. I'm sure you've noticed our parks - especially large parks like Central Park - are more heavily used than ever, with a marked increase in the number of people engaging in active recreation activities. Activity often takes place simultaneously on park roadways and pathways, and park space is shared by many user groups.

Central Park was intentionally designed to accommodate various modes of travel. However, modern automobiles and even bicycles travel at much greater speeds than their counterparts of almost a century ago, and can present a danger to the great numbers of children, the disabled, the elderly, and leashed pets on pedestrian pathways and crosswalks. To help achieve our goal of increasing safety for all park users, we have increased our efforts to enforce vehicular traffic laws on park drives. Motorists are receiving greater numbers of summonses than ever. Bicyclists are also subject to New York State's vehicular traffic laws, and their cooperation results in a safer park environment for pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists alike. Stopping at red lights is part of the vehicular traffic law of New York State, and applies to all road traffic inside and outside city parks.

Many pedestrians, especially those accompanied by children, are often apprehensive about crossing Central Park's roadways because of bicyclists who fail to yield to pedestrians. Issuing summonses to bicyclists who ignore red lights is one legal tool that effectively curbs reckless cyclists, and raises awareness among cyclists about the very real dangers of failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Ideally, this will result in the same type of self-policing among responsible cyclists that has been adopted by dog owners in our parks.
We do not want to change the state's traffic laws, however, I appreciate, as do law enforcement personnel, that effective self-policing would reduce the need for stringent enforcement measures.

Parks has been - and remains - a staunch ally of bicycling as both an environmentally sound means of transportation, and an effective way to maintain physical fitness. Our advocacy is supported by the current city administration, which is actively planning for New York City's future as a "greener" environment. Improving and expanding bicycling opportunities is an important part of this planning.

At Parks, we continue to work with the New York City Department of Health, the Department of Transportation, and advocate organizations such as Bike New York and Transportation Alternatives to support and promote bicycling in New York City.

Our purpose in enforcing vehicular traffic laws is not to discourage bicycling on parkland, but rather to increase safety for cyclists and other park patrons. More and more, bicycles are being recognized and advocated for as practical means of daily transportation for city dwellers. Along with motorists' acceptance of bicycles as vehicles with equal rights to the road, comes greater responsibility for cyclists to observe vehicular traffic laws.

We appreciate your taking the time to write about this issue, and we welcome this opportunity to clarify our concerns and our actions. Should you have any other questions, please feel free to call our Chief of Urban Park Service, Mike Dockett, at 212-360-2778.

Sincerely,

Kevin Jeffrey