The Department of Transportation (DOT) is pursuing a citywide program to evaluate the potential effectiveness of residential loading zones.  The goal of this program is to provide curb space to allow for the pick-up and drop-off of passengers as well as loading and unloading of goods.  By providing dedicated curb space for these activities it may help reduce the number of double parking incidents as well as other unwanted standing behaviors creating a safer, more efficient environment for all road users.

The program will use signage to convert current parking spaces to “No Parking” regulations, which will create loading zones during the daytime and evening periods from 7AM-7PM Monday through Friday. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, DOT will collect and analyze date before and after implementation  to evaluate behavior changes precipitated by the program.  At the end of the yearlong study period DOT will make a determination as to the effectiveness of the program. 

Timeline

The project implemented in July 2019 and the evaluation period is scheduled to conclude in July 2020, with an evaluation to follow.

 Data Collection and Analyses

The study is broken down into three main data collection and analysis tasks that will inform two final reports:

Before/After Double Parking Analysis

The study team will collect time-lapse analysis of specific project blocks before and after implementation in order to observe the effects of the loading zones on double parking and other behaviors at the curb, including the safety hazard presented by blocked bicycle lanes.

Before/After Travel Speeds

The study team will analyze corridor speed data before and after implementation for mixed traffic and buses, where applicable, in order to understand the program’s effect on travel speeds along the corridor. The goal is to improve travel times by reducing double parking on narrow corridors, removing the need for buses and other vehicles to maneuver around double parked cars and trucks.

Study Reports

Findings from the aforementioned data collection and analysis will be summarized in a final recommendations report. If the program is deemed successful the report will also include guidelines/criteria for the siting of residential loading zones based on the observed street typologies.

If you have any questions, please contact DOT at 646-892-1350.

                                                                                                  The locations in Community Board 8 are as follows:

Bergen St  from New York Avenue to Nostrand Avenue

Bergen St from Nostrand Avenue to Rogers Aveneue

Bergen St from Bedford  Avenue to Franklin Avenue

Bergen St from Franklin Avenue to Classon Avenue

Bergen St from Classon Avenue to Grand Avenue

Bergen St from Grand Avenue to Washington Avenue

Bergen St from Washington Avenue to Underhill Avenue

Bergen St from Vanderbilt Avenue to Carlton Avenue

Bergen St from Carlton Avenue to 6th Avenue