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Working to Reclaim Public Space for the Public Good on the UWS

It took a minute, but these folks' needs are finally being acknowledged. (Images: StreetopiaUWS)

A simple statement of fact occasionally feels like a revelation—particularly when it comes from an unlikely source. Take this, for instance:

“Recognizing the dual function of Central Park as both a recreational space and a key transportation route is vital to ensuring that any changes (to the Park) align with community needs and preferences.”

This isn’t from our Central Park Advocates report. Nor is it part of our Central Park bike-to-school sign-on letter, though it could easily be from both. This statement is contained in the results of a year-long study by the Central Park Conservancy looking at the experience of Park users and acknowledging in a clear, data-driven way what anyone regularly riding into or through the park knows intimately. 

It goes on: 

“While north-south bike trips through the Park are fairly direct, there are limited cross-Park routes, limiting options for people who commute or work on their bikes... Given Central Park’s location in the middle of Manhattan, the Conservancy and its partners…had to consider the many trips people make across the Park, particularly cyclists.”

This is a big deal, and a huge win after more than a decade of advocacy.

Of course, this is just a study, and the recommendations it contains aren't guaranteed to happen without continued effort. But they're definitely worth fighting for. They include:

• A protected, two-way bike lane pilot on the 86th Street Transverse
• A new on-grade, cross-park path at the 86th Street Bridal Trail
• Relocating the 97th Street shared path to the Rec Center side of the Transverse

• New shared paths connecting the Drives to surrounding city streets

• Intentionally designed, safer, and more rational Drive crossings

• Formalizing two micromobility lanes on the Drives, one for faster riders
• And, an on-street bike network circumnavigating the park

The kinds of changes outlined in the study would benefit everyone who uses the park, not just those who regularly cycle into or through it.

We've long advocated for interventions in Central Park that are intentional and inclusive and create harmony among the various users, and this study is a significant step in that direction.

Let's all take a moment to be grateful. Then, let's keep advocating to make these recommendations happen.

Livable Streets News You Can Use 

It's intuitive that streets that encourage cycling and pedestrian activity, and that allow people to interact with each other and linger, are healthier places, socially and economically. A new report from DCP offers proof of the latter, showing that vacancy rates on NYC Open Streets are lower than comparable streets that lack this vibrant pedestrian experience.  READ >

The growth of micromobility in NYC is an opportunity too often framed as a problem. The Office of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander put out a report last month that offers a clear-eyed view of the challenges, as well as thoughtful recommendations for capitalizing on the enormous potential of a transportation revolution that is already well underway. READ >

The long-awaited Smart Curbs pilot is finally rolling out on the UWS. There are some meaningful changes, but does it live up to its goal of a more functional and more equitable use of this incredibly valuable public space? Not exactly. To get there, we’ll need to radically rethink parking at a scale that doesn't appear to be on the table; at least not yet. READ >

Take Action and Make Change

✅  ATTEND: CB7 Transportation Committee – Come learn about a "Proposal for Street Design and Traffic Calming at Verdi/Sherman Square, located at Broadway." See where this 2024 Participatory Budgeting winner stands. | TONIGHT! – Mon, 11/25 at 6:30pm (link is to register for Zoom)

✅  TESTIFY: Support Rational E-Bike Policy – City Council will hold a hearing to discuss proposed e-bike licensing legislation. The bill that's been introduced would do nothing to improve safety but would be a barrier to adoption of an otherwise sustainable form of transportation. Take this opportunity to let the Council know what you think. | Wed, 12/11 at 1pm (virtual and at City Hall)

And, if you haven't yet done so...

✅  SEND A LETTER: Support a 'Complete Street' on W72nd – We're excited to continue our advocacy for a transformed West 72nd Street into the new year, and you can help by sending a letter to local elected officials and the Department of Transportation telling them you support a vision for this corridor that works for everyone.  

✅  ADD YOUR NAME: Support Kids Riding Bikes to School Through Central Park – Whether you’re a parent, teacher, administrator, student, or ally, add your name to the letter asking to give kids legal ways to cross the park on a bike. We're at 200+ signatures from nearly 80 schools. Let's keep the list growing and get more kids pedaling.

Items of Interest

🔘  Creating parklets from parking is public health infrastructure.  

🔘  Speaking of which, Paris is replacing 60,000 parking spots with trees. (Your move, NYC.)

🔘  Here’s another reminder that we need fewer cars, not electric cars.

🔘  Also, it turns out EVs are only marginally better for society than gasoline powered vehicles. 

🔘  Jaywalking — a term invented by the auto industry to shame and blame pedestrians and clear the streets for cars — is once again legal in NYC.

🔘  Speaking of victim blaming, the “road safety is a shared responsibility” narrative is harmful and deadly BS.

🔘  Montreal’s bike network, the envy of North America, started modestly as an attempt to connect parks. (Looking at you, W72nd Street.)

🔘  Speaking of bike networks, if you build it (low stress bike lanes), they will ride.

🔘  It turns out bike riding is great for your mental health. (Which, of course, if you ride, you already knew that.) 

🔘  And, finally, Congestion Pricing (albeit, a trimmed down and less effective version) is actually, truly, for real (fingers crossed) happening.

Happenings in and around Local Streets

✨ Bloomingdale Bright Lights | Friday, 12/6

Join the Columbus-Amsterdam BID for the 2nd Annual Bloomingdale Bright Lights, with music, giveaways, and a tree lighting ceremony. SE corner of Amsterdam Ave and Cathedral Pkwy, across from Minerva Bernardino Greenstreet. | 4:30 PM  6:00 PM

🎄 Morningside Park Winter Celebration and Tree Lighting | Saturday, 12/7 

Join Friends of Morningside Park, The Holiday Band, and the whole community for an evening of jazz and merriment for a lighting of the tallest living tree in a NYC park. No RSVP necessary. Morningside Park at 120th Street (Accessible entrance at the corner of 123rd st and Morningside Ave) | 4 PM - 6 PM

☕  Streetopia Coffee Hour | Thursday, 12/19 

Join us for coffee and conversation about all things UWS livable streets. We’ll share some of what we hope to focus on in the year to come and hear about what issues are important to you. Use the link to RSVP and we’ll send details and confirmation ahead of the date. Location TBD (likely a local coffee shop) | 9 AM to 10 AM

Pass it On

“At a certain point you’re just building a city made out of parking spots. There’s no room for the people anymore.”

– Comedian Elliott Kalan, summing up the relentless car-centric logic of Robert Moses, whose legacy we're all busy trying to undo.

377 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10013

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