August: 23 Congestion Pricing, McGuinness Boulevard, Cargo E-bikes
Congestion pricing will do the impossible: It will make New York City bigger overnight. This first-in-nation effort to use tolling for the public good will reduce car traffic, resulting in more space for improved public transit and reduced congestion, pollution, and traffic crashes.
A similar program introduced in London and Stockholm reduced traffic crashes, lowered pollution levels, increased bus speeds, and shifted countless trips from cars to buses.
These results are possible in New York City if we encourage people to shift trips out of cars with better infrastructure, more efficient and accessible public transportation, and financial incentives.
We've outlined 15 easy steps to ensure that congestion pricing will bring faster buses, improved street-level accessibility, better biking, and financial incentives for choosing sustainable transportation.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Greenpointers have rallied for decades to make McGuinness Boulevard safe. DOT committed to a safe streets upgrade that would add protected bike lanes, designated loading zones, and slower turning speeds. McGuinness Boulevard will see real safety improvements as a result of the plan. This is the most significant safety intervention since the creation of the boulevard 70 years ago.
DOT is looking to allow wider, pedal-assist cargo e-bikes. Two cargo bikes can replace one box truck, reducing pollution and increasing safety. In turn, the city needs to widen bike lanes in preparation for the upcoming fleet of vehicles. We must transform our car-centric streets into spaces that support diverse transportation options and provide more space and safety for cargo e-bikes.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
Elizabeth Adams —TA's Deputy Executive Director — outlined 15 steps lawmakers can take before implementing congestion planning on Inside City Hall.
A new interactive map — Tree Folio NYC — measures how much shade New York City trees provide. Gothamist reports on the tracker and explores inequities in our tree canopy space.
Citi Bike has arrived in Jackson Heights, reports Streetsblog. Now, we need public funding to expand bike share to every neighborhood in New York City.
TWO THINGS TO DO
After the Half Century, get out of town with the Tour de Yonkers on October 1! This tour offers 12, 25, and 50-mile routes that explore the Hudson Valley's largest cities with the most breathtaking views of the Palisades and the majestic Hudson. Don't wait to sign up; registrants get a free cycling jersey while supplies last!
TA's Bronx/Uptown Committee will host a street pop-up during Bronx's first-ever Summer Streets. While enjoying some car-free streets, stop by Poe Park at E Kingsbridge Road. There'll be double dutch, street chalking, interactive games, and more. Come out and celebrate open streets with us!
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Our 10th Annual Vision Zero Cities conference is coming up on October 18-20! This year's event includes virtual discussions, field tours, networking receptions, and a full day of in-person sessions. Don’t miss out on an unbeatable line-up of safe streets and transportation innovation topics and speakers. Register today!
Thanks for reading!
Michelle and the TA Team
