Snow Drought No More, Sammy's Law, and Join Your Activist Committee This Year
Finally! Our snow drought is officially over. Tuesday’s snowfall ended the drought after 701 long days.
Here is some good news this snowy season:
This year, for the first time, the Department of Sanitation's snow removal plan promises to clear both bike paths and roads at the same time. This means that cyclists can expect clearer conditions for their commute during the snowy season.
And it's officially “sneckdown” season! What's a sneckdown? It's when the snow has narrowed the road and calmed traffic — and it highlights where we should build future bike corrals, seating, turn calming, and more. Snow can be a natural way of helping us improve street design and traffic flow. It's almost like nature's tracing paper! Analyzing snowy weather traffic patterns can help us create safer street designs.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
It's official: Sammy's Law is included in Governor Hochul’s budget proposal. New York City is one step closer to establishing its own speed limits. This is a major step in creating a safer New York City, but we must make sure it passes in the final budget. Help pass Sammy's Law by sending a message to your lawmakers today.
Join your borough activist committee's first meeting of 2024! Want to transform the streets in your own neighborhood? Together, we can win campaigns to make our streets safer for everyone. For information on your activist committee's first meeting, check out our committee pages. Don't miss this opportunity to shape your community's future.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
A guide from The City breaks down what to do when you have a problem in New York City, and which agencies to contact for help.
In Sidewalk Chorus, a TA Manhattan activist shows how the Third Avenue campaign went from an idea to a reality.
ICYMI: Speed safety cameras could soon arrive in Westchester, Syracuse, and Albany, based off of New York City’s successful program — a huge testimony to the work we have all done here.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Join us and the Families for Safe Streets coalition for a lobby day for Sammy's Law. Governor Hochul announced her support for Sammy's Law in the state budget. This is an important step towards a safer New York City, but we must ensure the law is included in the final budget. Please join us and the Families for Safe Streets coalition in Albany on Tuesday, January 23 for our first lobby day of 2024.
Show support for congestion pricing in New York City. Congestion pricing will speed up the nation's slowest buses and bring safer streets citywide. We can't do this without you. Make your voice heard and share a written comment in support of congestion pricing in New York City by leaving a public comment to the MTA.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Join us for a BQE South Visioning Workshop. From aging infrastructure to increasing congestion, the BQE has faced a number of challenges over the years. Join Transportation Alternatives and share your voice for the future of the BQE at the Sunset Park Brooklyn Public Library on January 30. Get some insider knowledge from experts and members of the community, and share your own ideas — be a part of shaping the future of the BQE!
