Spatial Equity 2.0 and an update on the NYC Streets Plan
There’s no reason that Staten Islanders should be denied access to sidewalks, more children in the South Bronx should visit the emergency room for asthma, or neighborhoods across Southeast Queens should be devoid of public space like benches and pedestrian plazas.
Spatial Equity NYC highlights how public space is used — or disused.
This week, we launched the newest version Spatial Equity NYC in partnership with MIT. Spatial Equity NYC now has 24 data layers, including six new ones, and the ability to rank State Assembly and State Senate districts for the first time.
Brand-new data layers include everything from flooding to access to public seating to sidewalk space.
Spatial Equity NYC ranks and compares each district by over a dozen equity metrics, making it easier for New Yorkers to advocate for the changes and resources their communities need.
Here are some of our key takeaways:
Bus commutes are much longer for low-income, Black, & Latino riders.
Flood risk is much higher in Black communities
The future congestion pricing zone is polluted and dangerous
Fewer pedestrian plazas have been built in the communities where the most Black, Latino, and Asian New Yorkers live
These inequities are man-made and fixable – and it’s time for everyone to demand access to the resources and space we all need to thrive.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DOT released its report on the first two years of the NYC Streets Plan. The good news: New York City exceeded its goals to redesign intersections and create new public space. However, the legal mandates regarding building new bus lanes and protected bike lanes. New York has constructed 58 miles of new bike lanes – only 72% of the required mileage – and fewer than 10 miles of bus lanes – less than a fifth of the 50 required miles. There is still work to be done, and the City must prioritize building protected bike lanes and bus lanes this year. Sign our petition to show your support for the speedy implementation of the NYC Streets Plan.
Brooklyn's Third Avenue is undergoing a much-needed safety redesign. Last week Brooklyn’s Community Board 7 approved DOT's plan for a road diet on Third Avenue, reducing lanes from three to two in each direction. The plan would reduce the speed limit below the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Sunset Park and provide much-needed additional space for pedestrians and cyclists. After years of advocacy from TA’s Brooklyn Committee, we’re excited to move forward on this much-needed redesign for a safe Third Avenue.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
A recent article in Gothamist highlights some key takeaways from our Spatial Equity update: New Yorkers of color are much less likely to live near car-free pedestrian plazas than white residents.
According to BK Reader, Spatial Equity NYC has revealed that Brooklyn has the second-highest number of residents living in floodplains, after Queens. Shockingly, 10% of Brooklyn's population is living in a floodplain.
Transit advocates are again pushing for a redesign of Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge, reports Streetsblog.
Senator Andrew Gounardes proposed legislation requiring New York to reduce total miles traveled by 20% — improving air quality and reducing fatal crashes, reports Streetsblog.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Register for our upcoming Spatial Equity 2.0 Webinar. Do you want to learn more about Spatial Equity NYC? The refreshed site is now available, and we’re hosting a webinar to help you learn more about it. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your understanding and make the most of the tool. Join us for the webinar at noon next Friday, March 8!
Get ready for the Tour de Staten Island – our spring bike tour in fewer than two months! So why wait? Register now and secure your spot for this thrilling spring bike tour. Don't miss out on the chance to make new cycling friends, explore Staten Island, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather!
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Show your support for congestion pricing in under 2 minutes! For
cleaner air, safer streets, and a better transit system, New York City needs congestion pricing now. Did you know that congestion pricing could save outer borough express bus riders up to two hours of commuting per week? If you only have a few minutes, submit a written comment in support! We’ve created a simple form for you!
