Holiday Open Streets, LIC Protected Bike Lanes, and Congestion Pricing
Happy holidays from Fifth Avenue! On Sundays in December, the iconic street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly haven, filled with the aroma of chestnuts and the sounds of festive music instead of the usual traffic congestion and pollution.
For years, TA Activists have fought long and hard for a pedestrian-friendly redesign of Fifth Avenue. Why? Because New Yorkers need a Fifth Avenue that works for them. We need to make Fifth Avenue a complete street, which includes a protected bike lane, widened sidewalks, and an added busway.
Move Fifth Forward is about putting people first by prioritizing equitable, efficient, and sustainable transportation. Sign our petition to fight for a better Fifth Avenue.
The Fifth Avenue Association is also beginning the Future of Fifth public visioning process! Please take their survey and make your voice heard about the need for mobility, pedestrianization, and safety on Fifth Ave!
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Long Island City gets new protected bike lanes. Western Queens neighborhoods are getting a much-needed safe transportation network thanks to a trio of new protected bike lanes in Long Island City. The project includes daylighting at intersections with pedestrian islands, some of which also have new bike corrals for safer pedestrian travel and better bike storage.
Congestion pricing will make New York's streets cleaner, more accessible, and safer. Congestion pricing has been proven to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. In Manhattan, implementing congestion pricing could reduce pedestrian injuries by up to 20%, which is critical given that almost one in three New Yorkers has been injured in traffic violence. Congestion pricing is a first-in-the-nation toll for the public good – but our leaders must take steps today to ensure it's both successful and effective.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
A report from Bronx News 12 features our data showing SUVs have caused 34% of pedestrian deaths since 2022.
A federal grant will electrify the Governors Island ferry, reducing NYC's CO2 emissions by 800 tons a year, reports Gothamist.
As New York City begins daylighting intersections, Streetsblog advocates for concrete barriers over paint and signs. We agree!
TWO THINGS TO DO
Say NO to the Port Authority's proposed increase in AirTrain fare. The cost of riding the AirTrain between JFK Airport and the subway will increase to $8.50 per ride in March. To get people out of cars, we should be making it more affordable to take transit, not less. Make your voice heard and submit a comment to let them know we should be incentivizing public transit not discouraging it!
City Council must pass Intro 417 to streamline bike lane projects. A three-month waiting period is required for bike lanes under current law — a requirement not imposed on other street improvement projects. Intro 417 would allow DOT to start construction just 14 days after notifying lawmakers and community boards. This legislation would simplify the installation of street safety infrastructure by DOT, reducing delays.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Make a year-end gift to support TA's advocacy! Join us in making a difference this holiday season! Your year-end gift will help us continue our advocacy work and support our Open Streets campaigns. With your donation, we can create car-free streets for all New Yorkers to walk, bike, and enjoy. Join us: don't let our fight go unanswered. Make a donation today and help us build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city for everyone.
