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

Parents doing the work DOT should be doing (Image: StreetopiaUWS)

September means back to school, and like any momentous beginning, it’s a time for thoughtful reflection on where we’ve been and optimism for where we’re headed.

Something we’ve been reflecting on lately is how unnecessarily chaotic and stressful the school commute can be. 

For instance, why are streets around schools more dangerous during school hours than other streets in the city? Why did Mayor Adams cut crossing guard positions? And why is being a crossing guard such a dangerous job in the first place? How many more cars would a school bus drivers strike add to the already traffic-choked morning commute? And if we’re trying to keep kids safe, why are there only two school streets on the UWS, and none at the dozens of UWS public schools?

We shared some thoughts on a better way to think about the school commute in this optimistic op-ed, where we call for a comprehensive school transportation plan that explicitly seeks to relieve parents from the stress of the school commute through prioritizing active transportation and building infrastructure that kids can use independently. 

“We hold schools accountable for children’s achievement—we should hold DOT accountable for the streets kids use to get there.”

Livable Streets News You Can Use 

We’re grateful to have a seat on Council Member Gale Brewer’s Upper West Side Micromobility Task Force. Electric (and acoustic) micromobility is here to stay, and every New Yorker has a stake in these devices fitting safely into our transportation landscape. Read our e-micromobility policy platform, which addresses some of the policy and infrastructure changes that are required. LINK >

Earlier this summer we released a report called Getting There, looking closely at micromobility use on the UWS through those who use it and the infrastructure (or lack thereof) meant to support them. There's lots of interesting insights. We hope you'll give it a look. LINK >

Streets on the Upper West Side are far too dangerous. And the metrics employed by the city to track this are far too reactive. Our Summer Intern Kaitlyn Conway developed an alternative approach that proactively centers care and human experience. LINK >

Take action and make change

✅  Show your appreciation for Summer Streets – Tell DOT "thank you" for expanding Summer Streets this year. And while you’re at it, nudge them to go even bigger next year. It will take less than a minute, and you’ll be glad you did it. – LINK >

✅  Apply for a School Street – Are you a parent or teacher? Why not apply with DOT to use the street (aka public space) in front of your school on school days? More space for the students, less noise & air pollution, safer pick-up and drop-off...what's not to like? We'll even help you do it! – LINK > 

✅  Volunteer in Riverside Park – If we've learned anything over the years, it's that weeding together builds community. Join your friends and neighbors to help remove invasive species from Riverside Park on Saturday, September 23 for National Public Lands Day. – LINK >

Items of interest

🔘  These wider bike lanes in Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen are needed uptown as well. – LINK >

🔘  A DOT curb use pilot is coming to the UWS. – LINK >

🔘  In a step in the wrong direction, delivery workers are (rationally) switching from e-bikes to gas-powered mopeds. – LINK >

🔘  Noise cameras are coming to the UWS, and the penalties are (appropriately) steep. – LINK >

🔘  Not an issue (yet) in NYC, but along with all their other problems, self-driving cars are an energy catastrophe. – LINK >

Happenings on and around local streets

🗓  West Side County Fair – Join us this Sunday (9/17) from 1pm-6pm at Riverside Park Conservancy's West Side County Fair. – LINK >

🗓  Columbus Avenue Open Street – Celebrate fall with Columbus Avenue BID's Open Street, every Sunday through October. (Columbus Ave from West 68th to West 77th) – LINK > 

🗓  Bark to Bark 103 – Stop by West 103rd St (b/t Broadway & West End) on Saturday 9/23 for an afternoon of pet-focused activities. You can even adopt a lucky cat or dog! – LINK >

Pass it on

"As long as cycle infrastructure is done with accessibility in mind...implementing adequate cycle routes does not harm the disabled and chronically ill community. In fact the reverse is true...Lack of cycle infrastructure is negligent, ableist and ageist."

– EJ Barrett, disabled parent of three children, telling it straight.

377 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10013

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