Last week, the Brooklyn Paper reported on a curious roadblock that appeared overnight on Van Brunt Street in Red Hook. Painted fluorescent green and standing seven feet tall, it was a study in contrasts to the ugly grey jersey barriers we’re used to. Different still, it was not meant to stop traffic, but to slow the traffic that’s increased and killed one woman since Fairway supermarket opened last year.

The installation reminded us immediately of David Engwicht’s atypical traffic calming techniques like the Street Reclaiming Throne. These “mental speed bumps” use intrigue and uncertainty to catch the attention of drivers, causing them to slow down to take a better look. And because drivers will eventually get used to the sight of a man holding an umbrella in a giant purple upholstered chair or kids playing on the sidewalk, he advocates more permanent ways to slow cars like perceptively narrowing the street width.

A source close to the artist said he is planning more installations. For more inspiration, check out Michael Konrad’s rolling jersey barrier, 2 Tons of “Take That!” (on wheels).

Photo by The Brooklyn Paper / Chris Curen.

We might be reading too much into the results, but “Traffic’s Human Toll,” a 14-month study by Transportation Alternatives does show traffic has an extremely negative impact on New Yorkers.

The study finds that New Yorkers on high traffic streets harbor more negative perceptions of their block, are more frequently disturbed during sleep, meals, and conversations, and, in two of the four study areas, possess significantly fewer relationships with their neighbors compared to residents on low and medium traffic streets. Based on these findings, it is no surprise that 49% of all respondents stated that reducing the number of cars traversing their street would “totally improve” their quality of life. Of those respondents residing on heavy traffic streets, that figure jumps to 62%.

The study also found, residents on high traffic streets are more likely to keep their curtains shut hermit-style; spend less time walking, shopping, and playing with their kids; and stop their kids from playing a little stickball, .

Transportation Alternatives suggests NYC reduce traffic and improve resident’s quality of life through congestion pricing; improved mass transit and bicycle facilities; and traffic calming measures like reduced speed limits and speed humps. The main point is reducing traffic would be exponentially beneficial to New York City cool guys and losers alike.

Get your stat on and read the full report.