June 17: Make McGuinness Safe, Central Harlem bike lane, dog-friendly Open Streets
After a hit-and-run driver killed beloved P.S. 110 teacher Matthew Jensen last year in Greenpoint, the previous administration committed $39 million toward a comprehensive redesign of McGuinness Boulevard.
One year later, the Greenpoint community is still waiting on a safe McGuinness Boulevard. We can't wait any longer.
Over the past year, volunteers with Make McGuinness Safe have collected thousands of petition signatures demanding the city redesign the street to reduce speeding and expand space for pedestrians and people on bikes. Join us in demanding that the Adams administration make McGuinness safe without any more delays!
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Our partners at Riders Alliance launched a new public safety plan for transit. New York's lifeblood is public transit. Our city cannot exist without reliable, accessible, and safe transit options. The Riders Plan for Public Safety is a powerful blueprint for real solutions for safety above and below ground. Read their full plan.
DOT announced a pilot program for better bike lane barriers. Last week, DOT announced a program to pilot new bike lane barrier materials. Each new protected bike lane will get us one step closer to achieving both NYC 25x25 and Vision Zero. Let them know what you think of the new barriers.
In the news. Here’s what we’re reading this week:
TA Executive Director Danny Harris has been appointed to Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul’s “New” New York blue-ribbon panel to develop strategies to build a stronger, more resilient city. Read about the panel in Harlem World Magazine.
In a Brooklyner op-ed, Council Member Shahana Hanif proposes a Neighborhood Stewardship Initiative to care for and manage Open Streets across the city.
Congestion pricing should be up and running by now. In a New York Times essay, columnist Ezra Klein wonders why it’s taken so long — and how we can fix this.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Help improve transit and get the chance to win $100. The MTA is conducting their Spring 2022 Customers Count Survey. Survey results will be used to improve transit service across all MTA systems. It should only take 15 minutes and once completed, you'll be entered to win one of ten $100 gift cards.
Attention dogs and dog lovers: Visit the Willoughby Avenue and Berry Street Open Streets this weekend. On Saturday, June 18, from noon until 4 p.m., enjoy a dog-friendly street with treats, games, and more on Willoughby Avenue between Adelphi Street and Clermont Avenue. And from 11-4 p.m., the Berry Open Street between N. Third Street and Metropolitan Avenue will have free books and, until 2 p.m., a dog photo booth.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Sign our new petition calling for a Central Harlem Bike Lane. Adam Clayton Powell Blvd is a major corridor in Central Harlem and has the potential to become the safest and most multi-use road connecting Upper Manhattan into the Bronx and beyond. Sign our new petition and tell your leaders we need a fully protected bicycle lane on ACP.
Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,
Jacob and the TA team
P.S. Comptroller Brad Lander’s office is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst for Transportation, Sanitation, and Public Space. This candidate would advise Comptroller Lander and senior staff on key policies and issues in transportation, sanitation, and public space. Learn more about the position and apply.
