The year 2007 may prove to be one of the most important years in the storied history of New York City's development. In a future timeline of urban advances, it might be printed in as big a font and as bold a type as 1811--when the grid system was adopted--or 1904--when the I.R.T. subway opened. The text adjacent to 2007 could say something like "the start of livable streets," or "the bike boom begins," or "congestion pricing kicks off." It may turn out that all of those descriptions may suit 2007. The real question is, in hindsight, will they?

Preliminary results from Transportation Alternatives "Traffic's Human Toll" study suggest that residents living on "high" traffic streets spend less time outside, are more likely to keep their children indoors, and participate in fewer outdoor activities compared to people who live on "medium" and "low" traffic streets. The study also found that residents on high traffic streets are more fearful of traffic and speeding, and in at least two study areas, possess fewer friends compared to residents on low and medium traffic streets.

MEDIA EVENTS:

• Press Walk-Thru and Street Survey of Amsterdam Avenue with Jan Gehl
  Tuesday, November 6th, 11 am
  corner of 76th and Amsterdam Ave.
  
  
• Official Campaign Launch at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
  Tuesday, November 6, Gala Reception, 5:30-7pm; Presentation, 7-8:30pm