Cyclists To Say Goodbye To Cars In Prospect Park With Group Ride

PARK SLOPE, NY — Cyclists will wave goodbye to cars inside Prospect Park with a ride following the last vehicle allowed through the spot on Friday, organizers said.

Riders plan to meet by the Park Circle entrance of Prospect Park at 8:45 a.m. then ride behind the last car in once the city closes the barriers at 9 a.m. Cyclists will follow it a mile-and-a-half to the Grand Army Plaza and stop to wave goodbye as it leaves.

"It's really a tremendous safety thing to get cars out of the park completely," said Eden Weiss, the vice president of programs for the New York Cycle Club who will lead the ride. "We are thrilled and it'll let us ride in the park in a much more relaxed situation."

After the car exits and goodbyes are said, Weiss plans to lead laps around the park for the other riders who brave the cold on Friday.

Prospect Park opens to cars on weekdays during the morning rush hour, but Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in October it would become completely vehicle-free starting in 2018.

The park officially switches car-free on Jan. 2, 2018, but Friday will be the last time private cars will be allowed inside for rush hour.

Weiss, a retired case worker and former assistant commissioner for the Department of Probation from Kensington, said he logs about 5,000 miles per-year in the park and was thrilled when he heard the news that it will be car-free for good.

"Getting them out completely is a big win for us and returning the park to the original design of the park," he said. "It's a big deal and thats why we’re celebrating."

The freezing temperatures on the forecast for Friday won't put a damper on the ride, Weiss said, adding they only plan to cancel it if it snows or rains.

Image: Julie Jacobson/Associated Press