Publisher's Letter: The Flame

There is a dynamo at the center of T.A., and her name is Karen Overton. Karen, whose Recycle-A-Bicycle Program is featured in this issue, has tremendous tenacity, optimism and winning charm. She has built a small empire of progress in an education bureaucracy known for its failures. She has also inspired her students and co-workers with a sense of the possible--and the hard work and dedication needed to achieve it.

In many ways Karen's work is a mirror of T.A.'s larger efforts. Just as Karen is working to educate a group of city kids about the environment, so is T.A. working to change a myopic bureaucracy convinced that moving car traffic comes before community needs. We put a human face on the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians, and through our Neighborhood Streets Network, are empowering neighborhoods to join our movement.

Each of T.A.'s campaigns or goals is part of a wider vision for a livable city. So whether you joined T.A. because you want a bike rack in front of your office, a car-free Central Park, or better cycling in New Jersey, keep in mind that our efforts build on each other.

In turn, it is the passion of people like Karen Overton that propels our exertions. One such person was David Rubinow, who died in April at age 91. Rubinow was a great civic activist who in the late 1950's led the successful fight to free Washington Square Park from cars. Decades later, T.A. is building on what he started. We are also building a permanent, strong organization, able to bring new leaders to the fore.

To that end, we are seeking nominees for our board of directors. If you know someone with the commitment, skills, and stature to help make T.A. and its board stronger--including yourself--bring them to our attention. Don't be shy; we need your help. Send your nominee's name, phone, address, and a brief bio or resume to:

Nominating Committee
Transportation Alternatives
115 West 30th St, 1207, New York, NY  10001

I hope you enjoy the issue.

John Kaehny
Executive Director

P.S. Congratulations T.A. Magazine for being named a finalist in the Utne Reader Alternative Press Awards for the second year in a row.