Councilmember Brad Lander Demands Safer Access to Pier 6

Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park is beloved by many for its sweeping views, unique playgrounds and riverside walks. Soon, there will also be volleyball courts.

But the park, located at the foot of Atlantic Avenue, is not easily accessed, says Councilmember Brad Lander. 

"With spring upon us, we need some adjustments," said Lander. The available routes to the park, he added, "are not safe enough for pedestrians."

Lander is circulating a petition, which he intends to present to the Department of Transportation, calling for improved safety measures for pedestrians. 

The three streets leading to Pier 6, Atlantic Avenue and Columbia and Furman streets, are all major thoroughfares where speeding is rampant. Park seeking pedestrians must also cross entrances and exits to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

"It's ridiculous," said Julie Totino, a State Street resident who walks down Atlantic Avenue to the park with her dog Milo four times a week.

Totino said crossing the eastbound on-ramp to the BQE is the "scariest part."

"There's a crossing light but cars cross anyway, you only have a second," she said.

Brooklyn Heights resident Adam McInroy also pointed out the eastbound entrance ramp as a hazard.

"It's a mess, this turn onto the BQE," he said. "I've seen the usual, big trucks and baby strollers at the same time."

In the petition, Lander acknowledges that the DOT had made a "few minor signage adjustments" after a meeting last June, but added that the changes were insufficient. The department promised to "study and propose" additional improvements, but has done little since, he alleges. 

"We are concerned that solutions will be too late for this spring and summer when tens of thousands of pedestrians need them," wrote Lander in the petition.

A DOT spokesperson Monty Dean said safety is the DOT's top priority. 

"We are aware of community concerns about this location, which is why we made improvements," said Dean. "We are exploring whether additional improvements can be made and will be working with stakeholders as we develop improvements for the area."

Dean said restrictions on right turns on red and the installation of additional signage and signal improvements were already put in place by the department.

Totino said she hopes the DOT will further improve safety and access.

"This is a great park," she said.