The public will be allowed to decide how to make the Brooklyn Bridge walkway and bicycle path less crowded through a contest.

The international contest launched this week, “Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge,” would allow anyone to submit their creative designs for the pedestrian walkway and bicycle path that would still respect the landmark status of the bridge as well as consider mobility and access for commuters, visitors and vendors.

The contest was announced on Tuesday by City Council speaker Corey Johnson and nonprofit Van Alen Institute.

 

 

The New York City Department of Transportation told News 12 that in 2019, 6 million people walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. On a typical day, 16,000 people walk the bridge, with double the amount on a peak day.

Meanwhile, the number of bicyclists on the bridge dropped from 2016 to 2018, though the DOT does not have a cause for this.

However, the DOT issued a report in 2017 outlining recommendations to ease foot and bike traffic on the bridge. Many visiting the bridge on Wednesday told News 12 that they are welcoming any changes that can be made, as officials say the bridge is at times “crammed, uncomfortable and unsafe.”

Florangel Garcia, who is from lower Manhattan, can attest to the bridge’s crowded conditions.

“It gets really crowded,” Garcia said. “I mean a guy just passed by on a bike and he screamed at a lady. Very rude.”

People above and below the age of 22 can enter two different categories of the contest. All ideas must be submitted by April 5. A panel of judges will pick six finalists, who will be awarded cash prizes. Then in July, the public will be asked to vote for the winner.