Let’s Reimagine West 72nd Street as a Street for People

Motor vehicle infrastructure dominates West 72nd Street, despite people outside of cars and trucks—bus riders, micromobility riders, and pedestrians—making up the vast majority of those who use the street. This amounts to crowded sidewalks, slow buses, dangerous street crossings, and a complete lack of cycling infrastructure. All of which puts cars first and people in harm’s way.

It’s past time to change that and put people first. 

A complete street redesign of West 72nd Street would improve the lives of everyone who lives, works, or otherwise relies on the corridor. It could include bus priority vehicle lanes with local access for cars and deliveries; a world-class, all ages and abilities cycle track; expanded sidewalks and shorter crossing distances for pedestrians at every intersection; mid-block crossings on every block; and a repurposed curb lane that serves multiple uses, not just free overnight parking—things like rain gardens to mitigate the effects of climate change, trash containers to discourage rats; and loading zones so package delivery workers have a place to be that doesn’t block the street. Plus, lots of trees.

Realizing a more livable West 72nd Street is possible.

Take action today by sending letters to elected officials and the Department of Transportation urging them to immediately prioritize a people-first redesign of West 72nd Street.

Relevant links:

Reimagining West 72nd Street webpage
https://www.streetopia.city/reimagining-w72