Brooklyn Bridge... Art? Social Space?

The Brooklyn Bridge is a massive six lane bridge with walkways for both pedestrians and bikers going down the middle of it. Eve n back on the first day it opened in 1883, 1800 vehicles and 150,300 people crossed over it within a twenty-four hour period. However, it is not a social space. The cars go whisking along at a "New York pace" and even the pedestrian lane is bustling. As we were walking across, several times bikers yelled at us to get out of the way and move along. However, even worse was the situation that occurred when people tried to stop to take pictures. Even if the photographer managed to get to the opposite side of the bridge where it was far enough back to take the picture, there was never enough of a lull in traffic to be able to get a shot in. Furthermore, even at the benches which were sporadically placed along the bridge, one did not feel truly at peace. The crowds were intimidating and rushing along the entire way across. Several people in our group wanted to stop and get water due to the heat last Saturday, but opted to pass up the opportunity as there was too much pressure to dig their money out extra quickly and "keep it moving." All things considered, the Brooklyn Bridge may be art, but it is definitely not a social space.