July 26: Third Avenue, NYC 25X25, Congestion Pricing
Dear Friend,
We know that investing in street safety saves lives. Our city's leaders have work to do: The first half of 2023 was the second deadliest start to the year for people riding bikes ever, according to our latest analysis of Vision Zero data.
These deaths are preventable, and our city’s leaders must take steps today to save lives and make Vision Zero a reality. We know when we build safe streets, we can protect New Yorkers from traffic violence. What does this look like?
DOT just announced a plan to give Manhattan’s Third Avenue a “complete streets” redesign by allocating more than 25% of the street for people. Here’s why this is a big deal:
A dedicated bus lane will create better, more reliable trips for thousands of riders.
Wider, protected bike lanes protect people from cars and lead to higher bike ridership.
Pedestrian islands will improve visibility at intersections, creating safe crossings.
This redesign is proven to work: Converting a car driving lane into pedestrian and bus infrastructure on First and Second avenues in Manhattan caused traffic injuries to drop 21% even though cycling rates rose up to 177% on some segments, bus ridership was up 9%, and traffic speed and volume remained constant.
By fully implementing NYC 25x25 and the NYC Streets Plan, Mayor Adams can get us one step close to fully realizing Vision Zero. Streets are our largest public asset, and it's time to put people first.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Mayor Adams must advance life-saving street safety projects. Last year, the mayor committed $904 million toward the legally-required NYC Streets Plan. The McGuinness Boulevard redesign and Fordham Road busway are essential projects supported by residents. Call on Mayor Adams to advance the McGuinness Boulevard redesign and Fordham Road busway campaigns and implement the NYC Streets Plan.
Join our team and make New York City streets work for everyone. For 50 years, TA has successfully advocated for transformational change even when others said it wasn’t possible. Join our team as our next Manhattan Organizer or Senior Director for People & Operations. Learn more and apply.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
Patch covered our Vision Zero report highlighting an increase in pedestrian safety this year.
Congestion pricing will benefit everyone. Hell Gate covers why the New Jersey lawsuit hurts its own citizens and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman recently penned a piece highlighting the cost of congestion.
The MTA calls on Mayor Adams to push forward bus lane expansion on Fordham Road, Streetsblog reports.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Join us at our 2023 Summer Streets Bike Ride. The team will be riding through Manhattan, starting uptown in Harlem and rolling down to the Brooklyn Bridge. RSVP today!
Mark your calendar for TA’s Pedestrian Prom. Celebrate some of our activists from all over the city — we’ll have drinks, food, and Bike Valet! Get your tickets today.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Sign the petition for a Finished Fourth Avenue. Fourth Avenue is a vital transit corridor in Brooklyn connecting Bay Ridge to surrounding South Brooklyn neighborhoods. The current avenue threatens the safety, environment, and mobility of South Brooklynites. Sign the petition.
Thanks for reading!
Michelle and the TA Team
P.S. Get Gogh-ing! Bike to The Met this weekend, and enjoy free Bike Valet by TA while you peruse free exhibits like Van Gogh’s Cypresses. PLUS, the first 20 Bike Valet users who bring a friend this weekend get a free limited-edition TA tote! Just drop your bike at Bike Valet and say the password “streets are for artists!”
