April 22: How to celebrate Earth Day (in a way that makes a difference)
Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City, so when you hear politicians talk about addressing climate change, listen carefully for their plans to reduce car-centric infrastructure.
Without it, it’s all talk. As extreme weather becomes the norm, we need to urgently reduce car usage in New York City and beyond.
We’ve seen the impact of less car usage. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, driving in New York City fell and harmful particulate matter dropped 23 percent. If we were to hold these levels for five years, our air quality would improve by 34 percent — leading to an economic benefit of up to $77 billion.
Reimagining our streets and creating infrastructure for walking, biking and transit can go a long way to a greener, more resilient future.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Fatal traffic crashes are up 44 percent in 2022. Crashes killed 59 people in New York City during the first three months of 2022 — including more children 18 and under to start the year than any other year since 2004. We need urgent action to save lives from our leaders at all levels of government. Read our latest Vision Zero update.
Bike Month is right around the corner. May begins Bike Month, our month-long celebration of biking in the city. It’s free to register, and you could win some cool giveaways and prizes. Get registered and gather your friends to compete all month and embrace the warmer weather.
In the news. Here’s what we’re reading this week:
Fatalities are on track to increase for an unprecedented fourth year in a row. Read about our report in the New York Daily News, New York Post, NY1, amNewYork, Patch, Gothamist, Streetsblog, CBS, BK Reader, and FOX 5.
Mayor Adams must meet the City Council's $3.1 billion commitment to the NYC Streets Plan. Streetsblog covered our rally with our large coalition of advocates urging this funding to be included in the final city budget.
Even the smallest New Yorkers are joining the bike boom! Read a new piece in the New York Times about the rise in families biking together.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Advocate for sustainable infrastructure. We know, it’s very shocking for us to promote sustainable transportation. But we also know how big of a difference sustainable transportation makes. Take Citi Bike, for example: It reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 30,000 tons in its first full three years of operation. With NYC 25x25, we can build greener neighborhoods, reduce carbon emissions, and create safe streets. Take action for our streets today.
Get involved with composting. Composting is a sustainable way to reduce waste while recycling food scraps and more. Look for a drop-off composting site near you, check out GrowNYC to find volunteer opportunities and events, like this Saturday's Compost By Bike Earth Day Social Ride.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Join the NYS Safe Streets Coalition in Albany. We’re going on the road to pass the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act and you’re invited to come with us. Join Families for Safe Streets and the Coalition on May 4 for our Albany Lobbying Day and rally for CVRSA passage, meet with lawmakers, and be inspired to make change happen. RSVP today — we’ll provide lunch, snacks, and round-trip transportation.
Thanks for reading!