Prospect Park Relations, Road Sharing, etc

Oct 15, 2020 at 06:54 PM

I did one of those night races in PP back in Feb before the world hit the fan. I did it as a training race to break the rust and maybe win some cash for the prems around $130 for an hour of racing. I didn't know at the time but the dude who puts those on is a great dude. He donates all the money from the race to different NYC organizations. It's a shame he has to do it this way but I do see how it's a violation of the park rules. It's not a true race is the sense of races. I've seen pelotons of people in PP during the middle of the day bigger than those races. How come that's not a no-no. I'm just curious is all.

Jules

Oct 15, 2020 at 08:41 PM

Large groups that don’t stop for pedestrians are dangerous. They are uninsured. The parks are always, I mean always looking for excuses to stop issuing racing permits. The permits we get are “use it or lose it” so once a day is lost, the race directors never get them back.

CRCA killed a man during a licensed Time Trial in Central Park; they have never run one again.

Jules

Oct 15, 2020 at 08:55 PM

Not everybody may know this but every year, several times a year both race promoters and club representatives have to go to park meetings and reassure them on bended knee with hats in hand that these races are run safely, and that "traffic calming" devices like speedbumps or road furniture are bad for cyclists. Every year they increase the number of marshals needed, and share complaints from park users about aggressive cyclists.

Please please please if you value the use of the parks keep the precarious nature of our riding and racing ability at the forefront of your mind when using the parks.

And for goodness sake, when you are wearing kit, bear in mind the words from the how to race manual

“Don’t do anything that would embarrass you, your family or your team.”

Remember, when you put on your uniform you are representing the entire club, past and present, as well as the sponsors who are proud to put their names next to ours.

This includes unsanctioned races as well as group rides that get out of hand. To be honest the latter are just as big a problem.

Mark Taylor

Oct 15, 2020 at 09:01 PM

My cut through the park on my commute home is easily the most stressful section, since Covid, due to the large uptick in users , the stress arise not from regular park users , but from the "racing" cyclist that insist on training at peak times

Jules

Oct 15, 2020 at 09:04 PM

Mark Taylor said:

My cut through the park on my commute home is easily the most stressful section, since Covid, due to the large uptick in users , the stress arise not from regular park users , but from the "racing" cyclist that insist on training at peak times

There is a special hell waiting for guys that pretend to race during peak hours.

RobertMullen

Oct 16, 2020 at 12:42 AM

Mark Taylor said:

My cut through the park on my commute home is easily the most stressful section, since Covid, due to the large uptick in users , the stress arise not from regular park users , but from the "racing" cyclist that insist on training at peak times

I've started to make a mental note of how many "super tucks" I've seen dudes do down the hill along with the longest distance after the decent held in the tuck. So far, the max number is 4 (granted 2 were riding with each other) and the greatest distance was from the top of the decent all the way to the grass triangle/ big lefthand bend.

Though I haven't done any, I understand the interest in unsanctioned races during the precedented times used as a hard, off peak workout (I think most of the 'not so friendly laps' races take place at like 9pm+). I also get that it can be dangerous and look bad for cyclists/the club. But it reaaaaaaally seems in bad taste to do them when literally every other race in the city has been canceled. IMO they've been cancelled for a reason. People will obv do whatever they want (as per huge anti-mask protests, political rallies, etc), but please don't wear Kissena regalia at them.

eloy

Apr 10, 2024 at 03:28 PM

Wanted to make you all aware that CB6, CB8 + CB9 are hosting a meeting next Monday, April 15, on the DOT plans for the redesign of Grand Army Plaza Plaza. This project is only in the visioning phase currently (community visioning sessions) -- Attend if you can.

https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Grand-Army-Plaza-Update-Meeting.html?soid=1102872219344&aid=fwcLZE-Oq7U

eloy

Apr 26, 2024 at 06:34 PM

Quick note that the NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon is this Sunday, it finishes in Prospect Park, so likely a pretty bad day to do laps in the park.

Otherwise, do head there and cheer for our very own @LennartZandbergen

https://nycruns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BKHM24_CourseMap-Portrait-20240327.pdf

eloy

Apr 29, 2024 at 09:52 PM

Hi Team,

Wanted to make you all aware, we have updated the Prospect Park riding protocol. Which can be found on this forum’s sidebar and on our website.

The current protocol is the result of quite a bit of feedback from some of you, the board, other cycling clubs (NYCC, CRCA), Transportation Alternatives, the Prospect Park Track Club, and the Prospect Park Alliance community committee.

The effort to update it started last year, when the DOT repaved the bottom park roadway, and decided to pilot a runner/pedestrian lane on the right side.

Worth mention, that the Prospect Park Track Club (PPTC) created a similar document for runners (I am also a PPTC member)

Ideally the protocol will foster safety and awareness on when and how to best use the park as cyclists.

Find it here and below. Please let me know any comments.

Eloy

—

Kissena Cycling Club

Prospect Park Bicycle Riding Protocol

General Recommendations:

Cyclists are subject to all laws, rules and regulations governing Prospect Park at all times and shall act accordingly when using the Park.
Be prepared to stop. Be prepared to yield.
Cyclists shall always yield to pedestrians, regardless of whether they are in a crosswalk. The safety of pedestrians is paramount at all times.
Cyclists shall ride predictably at a speed appropriate to the circumstances - safe for the density of Park user traffic
Cyclists shall employ caution and common sense when approaching crosswalks and signal lights. Again, be prepared to stop.
Cyclists should be especially vigilant at the Vanderbilt / West Drive crosswalk – this is at the bottom of a steep downhill, by the lake. It is an especially congested area.
Training rides should be limited to times when the Park is least crowded (i.e., weekdays before 8 am)
Group training rides should be kept small and take into account proximate park user traffic.
Be mindful of other cyclists who might be riding with different intentions, such as commuters, casual riders, or delivery workers, for example. Please be aware and ensure those riders are also able to safely share the space.

During sanctioned events, cyclists should not:

Ride bikes on pathways.
Disrespect other park users.
Ride in the wrong direction on the drive.
Place bikes on trees or exposed tree roots.
Relieve themselves in the landscape.
Block the recreation lane during or after the race.

Notes:

Prospect Park is one of the most visited parks in the City, park goers are typically very good, understanding, and well behaved, however, on occasion, regardless of any regulations, someone, a pet, and even objects will get in the way, so please prioritize your and others safety always. Be prepared to stop.

Similarly, cyclists should have realistic expectations on when and how they can ride and train in Prospect Park – early weekday mornings, when the park is less busy, could be good moments to train or do group rides. Busy evenings, summer weekends, days with running races, or walk events, should come with the expectation that you’ll need to ride specially slow and carefully.

Your behavior as an athlete and cyclist should never be conditioned by those around you. Be courteous and gracious no matter the circumstances – especially if in a Kissena jersey: Represent.

For emergencies: Call 911.

eloy

May 17, 2024 at 05:42 PM

Hi Kissenistas,

This coming Monday, Monday 20 is the final hearing on the FY25 Executive Budget for NYC Parks. Anyone can testify or submit testimony (https://council.nyc.gov/testify/ select Monday, May 20 - Committee on Finance) to the City Council about the Parks budget.

No matter what you think of NYC Parks - our collective riding/running/enjoyment/community would be quite different without their stewardship of our parks, shorelines, street trees, and recreation centers across New York City. Public testimony begins at 2:30 pm or you can submit testimony up to 72 hours after the hearing. Testimony really does make a huge difference and has and continues to change policy in our city. New Yorkers for Parks has plenty of information on the Parks budget both present and historic (https://www.ny4p.org/ ) where you can also write directly to the Mayor.

Cheers.

eloy

Sep 23, 2024 at 07:08 PM

Hi Team,

Transportation Alternative Brooklyn Activist Committee has just launched a Prospect Park Connections petition, which calls on the city and DOT to build a protected bike network to and around Prospect Park, a critical hub for getting around Brooklyn. Take a look and consider supporting:

https://act.transalt.org/a/prospectparkconnections

eloy

Nov 09, 2024 at 02:52 AM

Hi Team — there’s a bush fire tonite in the park, the alliance is keeping us updated and it is mostly contained— we will likely see a heavy presence of police and fire trucks all weekend, please be respectful and careful if you are in the park at all.

I’ll update here once I know better how we could help in the repair.

eloy

Nov 10, 2024 at 11:41 PM

Hi Kissena Fam,

As you know, this past Saturday, Prospect Park had a 2-acre, 2-alarm fire in the Ravine, Brooklyn's last remaining forest. The fire is extinguished thanks to the FDNY, NYPD and NYC Parks quick response and support.

The City has undergone unprecedented drought conditions, with no rain in the past 6+ weeks. It is heartbreaking to see our beloved park under threat.

The Prospect Park Alliance is keeping us updated as the damage is assessed, and I'll keep everyone in the loop if there are any opportunities, volunteer or otherwise, to help repair the park.

Meanwhile, here is how we can support support Prospect Park, our club's home:

Donate: a contribution to the Prospect Park Alliance of any size will help
Use Your Voice to Advocate for a Fully Funded Park: As you might know, Mayor Adams, significantly reduced NYC Park's budget. Sign the New Yorkers for Parks petition.
Use Caution in the Park: Open fires and smoking are prohibited, and any fires should be reported immediately to 911.

Thank you all.

eloy

Feb 04, 2025 at 12:44 AM

Job opportunity with Prospect Park Alliance as their community coordinator, Kissena is part of the community committee and we work with this group regularly, it would be great to have a presence within the Alliance if anyone is interested and is a potentially good fit:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3010213/Prospect-Park-Alliance-Inc/Government-Community-Relations-Coordinator?source=PPA%20website

eloy

Apr 13, 2025 at 06:05 PM

Dear Kissenistas,

On Tuesday, March 25th, a large group of cyclists, likely participating in the Good Guys Racing "social laps," swerved around and caused a bystander to crash. No one from the group stopped to assist. There's video of the incident.

These rides appear to have escalated into unsanctioned events, drawing serious concerns from the Prospect Park Alliance and NYPD who are investigating.

While we don’t have reason to believe any Kissena members were there, a few notes and reminders:

Reckless riding endangers everyone and threatens the future of cycling in Prospect Park, including sanctioned racing.
No ride or workout can come at the price of the safety or well-being of anyone
As Kissena members, you must follow the Prospect Park Riding Protocol
Members are strongly discouraged from joining these Tuesday or Thursday group rides (or similar unsanctioned activities)
Reckless riding will not be tolerated; violations may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the club and suspension from racing.
Your behavior as an athlete and cyclist should never be conditioned by those around you. Be courteous and gracious no matter the circumstances – especially if in a Kissena jersey: Represent.

Please let us know any comments or questions, or feel free reach out to the board (specifically to Blake or Eloy if needed)

Stay safe, stay awesome,

Blake Foster, Membership Director
Eloy Anzola, Public Relations Director
& The Kissena Board

Nathaniel Miller

May 04, 2025 at 03:44 PM

I just saw a posting by a friend from Brooklyn which will affect all who cycle in NYC. Take care out there!

https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/05/02/policy-change-nypd-will-write-criminal-summonses-not-traffic-tickets-for-cyclists

David Yang

May 04, 2025 at 04:58 PM

Nathaniel Miller said:

I just saw a posting by a friend from Brooklyn which will affect all who cycle in NYC. Take care out there!

https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/05/02/policy-change-nypd-will-write-criminal-summonses-not-traffic-tickets-for-cyclists

Thanks Nathaniel - we're also having a little discussion here:

https://forum-archive.kissenacycling.com/discussion/8-p93.html#Comment_126374

eloy

Aug 14, 2025 at 10:54 PM

For those that ride in central park… has the DOT created rumble strips in CP’s loop? painted of otherwise? If so. how have they affected riding and racing?

KevinWomack

Aug 15, 2025 at 12:30 AM

None that I’ve seen.

LennartZandbergen

Aug 15, 2025 at 04:14 AM

Yeah they did, saw it last Sunday, I think at two lights on the western side of the loop. They are quite benign and didn’t impact riding.

DavidVibert

Aug 15, 2025 at 07:25 PM

There are now rumble stripes at the bottom of the hill on the west side (not Harlem Hill…near the lake, before the cross park route). They’re not as significant as a road bump, but you should pay attention and give a firm grip when going over them: they’re significant enough.

I haven’t come across another set.

Mark Taylor

Aug 15, 2025 at 09:47 PM

So what your saying Dave is ,let’s get ready to rumble 😂

David Yang

Aug 15, 2025 at 10:13 PM

Peak dad joke, 10/10 will use every time I come across rumble strips in the park.

mugwump

Aug 16, 2025 at 11:39 PM

eloy said:

For those that ride in central park… has the DOT created rumble strips in CP’s loop? painted of otherwise? If so. how have they affected riding and racing?

THere are a couple. One set of painted strips by the crossing at West 80th by the Delacorte Theatre.

This one really bugs me, as I've been asking the Parks Department for years to route people under the archway just north of the Delacorte. This would be safer for everybody involved--and wouldn't take peds any extra time, as they're not currently walking in a due east line from the entry at West 81st and CPW. And, when they announced the 'redesign' of the drives, they stated they would be prioritizing some archways for pedestrian travel. As cyclists are starting to go downhill, hitting speeds of 30mph solo are easy.

Prior to the redesign, there were also painted strips just before the E72nd street transverse. Even though I rode in CP on Friday, I don't recall if they were replaced.

eloy

Sep 03, 2025 at 01:28 AM

a quick note that the city will treat with pesticides the area in and around Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery Thursday night. There is not much to do, but if you know this sort of thing bothers you, get your hazmat suit dry cleaned before Thursday night!

To stay safe during spraying
• Stay indoors, whenever possible.
• Air conditioners can remain on. While unnecessary, you may wish to close air conditioner vents or choose the recirculate function.
After spraying
• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables with water. The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water.

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/wnv/2025/wnv-notice-2025902.pdf

RyanCollins

Oct 07, 2025 at 07:20 PM

https://www.reddit.com/r/NYCbike/comments/1o0kgbx/our_little_12_year_old_dog_was_just_hit_by_a
This is probably going to bring up some issues. Not sure if there is anything we can do to get ahead of it.

Mark Taylor

Oct 07, 2025 at 07:48 PM

Seems as though the dog was off the leash

Matt Budofsky

Oct 07, 2025 at 08:02 PM

Reddit comments truly are the wild west of the internet

eloy

Oct 07, 2025 at 09:25 PM

I have a meeting with the Prospect Park Alliance today, this has not been mentioned prior, I'll circle back here if there's any mention of this, I'll be surprised if there is.

If the dog was off leash there's really nothing to discuss, or to get ahead of.

RyanCollins

Oct 07, 2025 at 09:29 PM

Yeah I think all in all it's just too bad, feel bad for the dog, should have been leashed, cyclist probably should have stopped but who knows what really happened. Anyway, the comments are rather demonstrative of the current attitude around everything.