November 5: NYC’s next mayor, pumpkin-protected bike lane, Queens Boulevard
The results are officially in and Eric Adams will be New York City's next mayor! Adams has been a close, longtime partner to us and Families for Safe Streets with countless bike-to-work rides, speed camera rallies, and vigils over the years, and we look forward to continuing our work together. As a regular cyclist, he knows firsthand the challenges facing our streets. He knows what must be done to bring equitable, safe, and healthy transportation options to all New Yorkers.
We are thrilled that Mayor-elect Adams has supported NYC 25x25 – our challenge, endorsed by over 200 local groups, urging New York’s next leaders to reclaim 25 percent of space for cars and give it back to people by 2025. As our city’s next mayor, Eric Adams can make NYC 25x25 a reality by expanding busways, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian space across all five boroughs.
Read our full statement congratulating Adams on his victory.
Three Things To Know
1️⃣ 25x25 is spreading across the country. Inspired by NYC 25x25, our partners in Los Angeles launched LA 25x25 this week. Take a look to see how our vision that prioritizes people over cars is spreading to the West Coast.
2️⃣ ICYMI: NYC’s first pumpkin-protected bike lane. When it comes to bike lanes, paint is not protection. So when we found ourselves with too many pumpkins this Halloween, there was only one thing we could do.
3️⃣ Here’s what we’re reading this week. In the news:
The bike boom continues! Astoria’s Crescent Street bike lane has been a resounding success since it opened, Streetsblog reports.
Can we summon the political will to make permanent streets for people? That’s the question John Massengale asks in a new Daily News op-ed.
On Staten Island, TA activists rallied with community members and elected officials to push NYC Ferry to add a link between St. George and Brooklyn. The Staten Island Advance has the story.
Two Things to Do
1️⃣ Save the date for 2021 World Day of Remembrance. Please join Families for Safe Streets in commemorating World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, November 21. Together, we will join street safety organizations, community members, faith leaders, elected officials, and dignitaries from across the country and globe to remember, support, and act.
2️⃣ Join us for a Queens Boulevard celebration. For over a decade, hundreds of advocates and thousands of supporters have rallied and lobbied the city to prioritize safety and fix Queens Boulevard. Join us for a celebration bike ride and rally on Sunday, November 14.
One Action To Take Now
While we’ve won important victories this year, there are critical priorities to advance in 2022, and we need your support. See what we’ve accomplished and how you can help advance safe streets across New York City today.
Thanks for reading!