"Turning Point" asphalt art mural by Yuke Li on the 14th Street busway. Photo by NYCDOT.

When asked if they'd support transforming streets so kids can safely bike to school—even if it means removing parking and slowing traffic—New Yorkers from every demographic said yes. Over 50% support across all ages, education levels, races, income levels, and four out of five boroughs.

This shouldn't surprise us: nearly 65% of all travel by NYC residents is sustainable. New Yorkers walk and take transit, so of course they want safer, more pleasant streets. They're ready to trade parking spots for greenery, outdoor dining, containerized trash, and better safety infrastructure.

The tools exist—daylighting, low traffic neighborhoods, school streets, open streets, curbside dining. The public support is there. The biggest obstacle? Political will. We anticipate the tide turning in January, as Mayor-elect Mamdani has signaled his support for many of these improvements.

Council Member Amanda Farias just became the 26th co-sponsor of Intro 1138! That's serious momentum, but co-sponsors alone won't make daylighting the law—we need Speaker Adams to bring it to a vote. With only a handful of Council meetings left before the legislative session ends, the clock is ticking.

Here's how you can help push this across the finish line:

1️⃣ Join our phonebank tomorrow (Thursday, November 6, 12-2 PM) to call Council Members and the Speaker, urging them to schedule a vote on Intro 1138. Can't make it? Call your Council Member and Speaker Adams on your own—use this quick script:

"Hello, my name is [X] and I live in the district. I'm calling to urge Council Member _____ to sponsor the Universal Daylighting bill, Int. 1138. Our community needs stronger street safety measures, and universal daylighting has been proven to save lives. While this may mean losing some parking spaces, that is a small trade-off to protect our neighbors' lives. Thank you."

Not sure who represents you? Find your Council Member here and their contact info here.

Don't forget to call Speaker Adams' office too—she has the ultimate power to bring this to a vote:

Rochdale Village/South Jamaica: (718) 206-2068

South Ozone Park/Richmond Hill: (718) 307-5759

City Hall Legislative Office: (212) 482-6731

2️⃣ Rally at City Hall on Wednesday, November 12 at 1:30 PM! Join Transportation Alternatives, Open Plans, and fellow New Yorkers on the City Hall steps to demand safer intersections for all. Sign up to attend and show the Council we're serious about protecting lives.

Mamdani has the opportunity to reshape our city's streets to be more livable for all. From reducing VMT and implementing LTNs to expanding school streets, and more; we've done the research on what works, now it's time to make it happen.

For nearly two decades, Clarence has been showing us that livable streets are possible, documenting the progress made and work still to be done. Learn how he got started and how Streetfilms continues to shape our city and many others.

Donald Shoup's parking reforms have quietly revolutionized how cities think about their streets. Join us on November 20 at 6 PM for an evening to celebrate his transformative legacy and explore how his ideas are shaping the future of urban planning.

Driving in NYC continues to increase, and it's now more crucial than ever that the city set a goal for reducing VMT. Join our webinar on November 19 at 12 PM to learn why this is so important and explore proven strategies to make it work. 

On November 17, the City Council will hold a hearing on CM Restler's Int. 1421, which would make outdoor dining year-round! Show up in person or online to testify in support of a year-round program that benefits more people and businesses.

🚸 LIC Mobility Study Focus Group | Wed, Nov 5 | 6:30 PM

Voice your concerns and share your ideas for the future of Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. In this public focus group hosted by LIC Partnership, with support from TY Lin and WXY Studio, you'll discuss ways to make one of Long Island City's busiest corridors safer, more walkable, and more welcoming for everyone.

🚥 CB17 Public Safety & Transportation Survey | Ongoing

Brooklyn Community Board 17 is gathering resident perspectives on street safety improvements. Share your experience with intersection visibility, speeding, lighting gaps, and which safety measures matter most—from daylighting to speed bumps to enhanced crosswalks. Your input shapes their work with DOT and local agencies.

🏞️ Support the Parks 2030 Platform

Families in lower-income neighborhoods have 38% less park space, and the Parks Department has faced years of disinvestment. Parks 2030 is a comprehensive platform calling for fully staffed maintenance crews in every park, dedicated funding instead of annual budget battles, new 20-acre parks in each borough, and parks as climate solutions with expanded tree canopy. Sign on to tell City Council and the Administration that our parks deserve better.

🚶 Become a 2026 Open Streets Partner | Applications Open

Help reimagine city streets as safe, active public spaces! DOT supports over 200 Open Streets for play, learning, and community gatherings—and they're seeking new partners. Community groups, schools, and businesses can apply now. Join the virtual info session Thursday, November 13 at 2PM to learn about the process.

🌳 Greater Greenways Long-Term Expansion Plan Survey | Ongoing

NYC is expanding its greenway network and needs your input! This collaborative effort between EDC, DOT, and Parks aims to create high-quality, continuous routes for biking and walking in every borough. Share your experience in the quick survey, then use the interactive map to flag specific locations that need improvements or connections.

🚴 Brooklyn CB14 Transportation Committee Meeting | Thu, Nov 6 | 6:30 PM Key meeting for Flatbush transit and bike infrastructure! Hear MTA's update on the Interborough Express—a crucial opportunity to advocate for transit connections, CitiBike expansion, and protected bike lanes linking neighborhoods to IBX. Also on the agenda: Park Circle's new automated public toilet, helicopter noise restrictions, and updates on the local bike network timeline.

🌺 H.E.Arts Fall Festival: Flowers for Our Elders | Sat, Nov 9 | 12-3 PM

Celebrate six beloved South Bronx elders whose transformative impact transcends time and borders. This closing festival gathering at Brook Park honors Nieves Ayress, Victor Toro, Virginia Ayress, Esperanza Martell, Walter Bosque, and posthumously Daniel Chervoni—with free holistic health services, live music, and food. A beautiful afternoon of healing, creativity, and community connection.

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