Articles and Actions
Events and Appeals
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| How Dr. Frieden Taught Me to Stop Worrying and Love Congestion Pricing |
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New York City's heavy traffic is killing us. Traffic pollutes our lungs. It encourages sedentary lifestyles leading to diabetes and heart disease. It renders our streets unsafe for active, healthful modes of transportation like bicycling and walking. As such, Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Frieden would be well within bounds to throw his formidable political heft behind an array of traffic-thinning strategies.
We do not expect that Dr. Frieden will unveil a prescriptive "Low Car Diet" anytime soon, but he has already, through his other good works, taught three valuable lessons to those who would get serious about delivering relief to increasingly traffic afflicted New Yorkers.
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| Traffic's Human Toll Generates Revenue | ||||
Last week, a new T.A. study changed the way New Yorkers, and people around the globe, view traffic. The release of Traffic's Human Toll brought government workers, students, press and business representatives to the NYU Puck Building for a press conference and lecture focused on the study's findings. The event and the study received widespread news coverage (NY Times, NY Post, CBS) and clearly demonstrate that New Yorkers throughout the boroughs see too much vehicular traffic as a major problem. Attendees voiced their concerns that the City is not doing enough to reduce traffic. This is especially pressing now in the face of new developments that will result in 300,000 new residents in the next 4 years.
For the first time since Donald Appleyard released his seminal study Livable Streets, Traffic's Human Toll presents evidence that vehicular traffic has negative social impacts on the residents of New York City. Traffic's Human Toll reveals that residents living on heavier traffic streets:
The study uses statistical analysis to quantify the responses obtained through in depth interviews with over 600 residents living on one of thirteen streets in the following four neighborhoods: Astoria, Queens; Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn; Chinatown, Manhattan and High Bridge, the Bronx. The residents lived on three kinds of streets: light-traffic (fewer than 1,000 cars per day), medium-traffic (2,000-3,000 cars per day), heavy-traffic (more than 5,000 cars per day). As a result of these findings, the study calls on the Mayor and the Department of Transportation to acknowledge traffic as a serious quality of life problem and to implement proven strategies to switch driving trips to other less intrusive modes. For more information on these strategies visit the Citywide Coalition for Traffic Relief at trafficrelief.org. You can download the study here (PDF) or e-mail research@transalt.org to request a hard copy. |
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| Above the Law | ||||
On September 28th, Transportation Alternatives released Above the Law: A Citywide Study of Government Permit Parking Abuse in New York City (PDF). The study found that citywide more than three out of every four permit holders--approximately 77%--used their permits illegally. Of those, the NYPD was responsible for 46% of the abuse, by far the largest share from any single agency. In addition, nearly one out of every five permits was used in a vehicle that created safety hazards--212 vehicles on sidewalks, 46 blocking fire hydrants, 23 in crosswalks, 22 in bus stops, 10 in bike lanes and 8 in intersections.
While Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to reduce the number of permits on the street, the problem persists. Though it may not be explicit policy, the NYPD's traffic enforcement division essentially operates under the premise that citywide there is a "no hit" policy on vehicles with permits in the window. By default, the ability to abuse a parking permit has become a perk of holding certain government jobs. The simplest and most effective solution for ending this pandemic of privilege and abuse is to mandate that the NYPD enforce existing traffic laws. Bearers of fraudulent permits should be ticketed and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Unions representing Court Officers, Corrections, Court Clerks, FDNY and others should be mandated to immediately stop printing fraudulent parking permits for their membership and pull existing fraudulent permits off the streets. In addition, Mayor Bloomberg should create a publicly available database on the City's website that shows the total number of permits issued by all agencies and recognized by the City of New York as legal. The City should take a regular inventory throughout the city every six months to one year that shows the extent of permit parking abuse in an effort to curb the problem. The City should make permit abuse problems a specific 311 complaint and publish a continuous tally of abuse by neighborhood. The City should also establish strict, uniform and transparent standards by which a permit holder can obtain a government-issued permit; those who do not meet the criteria should not be issued permits. Because permit parking has long been seen as a victimless violation and a perk of the job, the City needs to educate municipal workers and New Yorkers in general about the real cost and impact of parking and illegal permit parking. A government worker's parking privilege should not conflict with the safety of the neighborhood where the worker parks. Permits should only be used for essential personnel on official business; commuting to work by private vehicle must not be considered "official business." If you are a member of a community organization, block association, business group, advocacy organization or another group that would be interested in signing on to a letter to Mayor Bloomberg that restates the recommendations in Above the Law, contact Matthew at streets@transalt.org. See a short film of the press conference here. |
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| Bike Lanes Abound | ||||
City Streets are a bit safer for cyclists this week thanks to the striping of 13.1 miles of new bike lanes by the DOT.
In the Bronx, a new lane on 174th Street between Hoe Avenue and Metcalf Avenue has been laid down along with a lane along Southern Boulevard between Bronx Park South and Boston Road. In Queens, a new lane on 20th Avenue, a crucial section of the Queens East-River North Shore Greenway, is in place connecting Shore Boulevard to Hazen Street and a new lane along Commonwealth Boulevard between Jamaica Boulevard and Union Turnpike will calm traffic and make the street safer for cycling. The Rockaways are a whole lot more bike-friendly thanks to an east bound lane on Shore Front Parkway between 108th street and 73rd street and a lane on Beach Channel Drive between 35th and 69th. Also, there are three connector lanes that nicely join these two longer sections. They are on B 73rd, B 69th and Rockaway Beach Boulevard. You can find all these streets on the City's official bike map, produced by NYC DOT and City Planning and available for free at local bike shops or by calling 311. These bike lanes are so new that they are still dotted red "planned" routes on the 2006 bike map, but go for a ride and enjoy New York City's beautiful fall weather and see the new lanes for yourself! Stay tuned for info on opening celebrations on some of these new lanes. |
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| Tell Congress that Bike Commuters Should Get Tax Breaks Too | ||||
Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers get a small tax break on Metrocards through the Transitchek program, as an incentive to leave their cars behind. Cyclists, who also choose an environmentally friendly form of transportation deserve equal treatment! On April 24, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill - S 2635, the Bicycle Commuter Act - to Congress which would provide a tax incentive to employers who give cash reimbursements to employees who commute by bicycle. Currently, such legislation exists for employees who drive and employees who use transit or carpools.
The proposed incentive seeks to help bicycle commuters defray the costs of biking to work. While more cost effective there are other significant barriers to cycling in many cities and towns. A tax incentive helps promote cycling, a clean, green and healthy form of transportation. Currently, over 50% of Americans work within five miles of their homes. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that many people would take to commuting by bicycle, given the right incentives. This could mean a healthier lifestyle for many Americans as well as tremendous benefits to the environment and to America's streets. The Bicycle Commuter Act would allot $78 million over a five-year period: 2006-2011. This bill could be voted on at any time. Tell Senator Schumer you support this cost-effective bill that would encourage more bicycle commuting in New York and nationwide. Take a moment to send this e-fax Senator Schumer to show your support!
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| Give an Hour for Car-Free Parks in 2007 | ||||
Transportation Alternatives is preparing for a dogged winter campaign to win a Car-Free Summer in Central Park and Prospect Park in 2007; we need your help to make our case. We are administering a survey to Central Park's recreational users this fall that will further demonstrate the need to ban cars from the loop drive. Give T.A. an hour or two and help gather surveys on your way to work, after a jog, during lunchtime or on the weekend. Email Wiley at volunteer@transalt.org or call 646-873-6008 and we’ll set you up with everything you need.
No time to volunteer? Take the survey yourself at transalt.org/cpsurvey. |
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| It's My Bike Lane and I'll Post if I Want To | ||||
Every New York City cyclist knows how it feels to be forced out of a bike lane by illegally parked cars. Now, every New York City cyclist can fight back (or at least vent a bit).
StreetsBlog recently wrote up mybikelane.com. It's a website for frustrated two wheelers to share images of offending vehicles and short descriptions of what exactly happened and why it was so bad. Sure, it's not a parking ticket or a paradigm shift, but it is a smart tool to keep bike lane offenders in the public eye and a much needed relief for perturbed peddlers. So the next time someone is parked in the bike lane, snap a picture and post away; it will save your vocal chords and rest your finger. |
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| Tour de Bronx: Sunday October 22nd | ||||
Bicyclists love the Bronx. The Tour de Bronx loves them back! The Tour de Bronx, now in its 12th year, is a great way to see all of the great bike facilities the Bronx has to offer. Each year the tour highlights new improvements, scenic parks and the amazing waterfront of the Bronx.
25- and 40-mile routes, snacks and water at rest stops along both routes. Safety cell provided on the 25-mile route. New for 2006! The 25-mile route will take riders onto the Sheridan Expressway, which will be closed for the Tour de Bronx. Don't miss this special chance to see the Bronx from a whole new point of view! 
FREE registration available at TourdeBronx.org. Tour de Bronx is presented by the Bronx Borough President's Office and Transportation Alternatives. Register today and tell your friends! |
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| Do We Need the Sheridan? | ||||
Transportation Alternatives supports the community proposal to decommission the Sheridan Expressway. The community's alternative plan is not unprecedented. Highway removal projects have succeeded in San Francisco. Portland, Milwaukee, Toronto and Akron are in the process of tearing down elevated highways, too. These projects have created major economic and environmental benefits, and any traffic issues have been successfully mitigated.
The Southern Bronx River Watershed Alliance (SBRWA) is working to envision new, productive uses for the 28 acres of land occupied by the Sheridan Expressway. Existing land use, connections to surrounding streets and neighborhoods, affordable housing, open space, retail and community facilities were all addressed. It was discovered that the Sheridan's footprint could accommodate 900 to 1200 units of housing, 200,000 square feet of school and community space and 90,000 square feet of retail and green manufacturing. The communities that now face the Sheridan would gain access to the Bronx River and the Greenway, the commercial and transit hub at Hunts Point Avenue/Bruckner Boulevard/Southern Boulevard would be strengthened, and the entire area would gain a network of safe walking and biking paths connecting existing housing, schools, stores, and subway stations. To learn more about the campaign visit southbronxvision.org. |
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| Living With Nature: Conference and Resource Fair for Local Action | ||||
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Living With Nature: A Conference on Sustaining the New York Metropolitan Region's Biodiversity Through Local Action
Friday, October 20, 2006 American Museum of Natural History Developing a more sustainable society requires contributions from all sectors: science, business, academia, government, non-profit, and the public at large. This conference will bring representatives from these sectors together to examine the role of sustainability in conserving the New York metropolitan region's biodiversity. There is no charge for this conference, but registration is encouraged, as seating is limited. For a detailed list of speakers and topics, please visit sustainnyc.amnh.org or phone 212-496-3423. In conjunction with the conference, we will also present: Living With Nature: A Resource Fair for Local Action Saturday, October 21, 2006 American Museum of Natural History Exhibitors will share great ideas and hands-on activities for conserving resources, living sustainably, and protecting the biodiversity of New York's metropolitan region. Free with Museum admission. Both events are sponsored by the Museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation and the New York City Soil and Water Conservation District. |
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| Bike New York's Savvy Cyclists Class | ||||
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Bike New York's Savvy Cyclist Class
Saturday, November 11th |
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| Take the Upper East Side Transportation Survey | ||||
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Upper Green Side, a neighborhood environmental organization, is conducting a transportation survey as part of a grant it received from Citizen's for NYC. They are surveying a wide cross-section of people who live in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island on their opinions about traffic, noise, mass transportation and what can be done to improve over the current conditions.
This survey should only take 10 minutes to complete and will provide them with valuable information to inform key local decision makers on these issues. The only criteria for taking the survey is that you live within the boundaries of Community Board 8, which includes zip codes 10021, 10022, 10028, 10044, 10128. Take the survey at uppergreenside.org/survey. |
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| T.A. in the News | ||||
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Byrne Bikes for Beep, New York Magazine, 10/12 Experts: Safety Measures Lagging On Boulevard, Queens Chronicle, 10/12 Whose Park is it Anyway?, Brooklyn Paper, 10/12 Parking in the - Park!, New York Daily News, 10/9 Study Finds City Traffic Lowers Quality Of Life, NY1, 10/6 No friends? Blame the traffic, News 24, 10/6 Din of Traffic Amplifies Life's Misery, Staten Island Advance, 10/6 In The Papers, NY1, 10/6 Nervous-Wreck Traffic Zones, New York Post, 10/6 Crappy Social Life? It's Not Your Fault, It's the Traffic, Curbed, 10/6 On the Road Not Taken, Happiness, New York Times, 10/6 Fulton St. -- Parking Paradise for Police, Traffic Nightmare for Many Downtowners, Downtown Express, 10/6 Your Street Might Be Why You're a Hermit or Social Butterfly, Gothamist, 10/6 The Case for Cycling, Metro Sports New York, 10/5 The Politicker, New York Observer , 10/5 Study: Traffic Gets New Yorkers Angry, CBS 2 , 10/5 No Friends? Blame Traffic, Says NYC Study, WNBC.COM, 10/5 Queens Boulevard Claims Another Life, Queens Chronicle, 10/5 No friends? Blame the traffic, says NYC study, Newsday, 10/5 NYC Study: Lonely? Overweight? Blame Traffic, 1010 WINS, 10/5 No friends? Blame the traffic, says NYC study, Staten Island Advance, 10/5 No friends? Blame the Traffic, says New York City Study, International Herald Tribune, 10/5 Traffic's Human Toll, Streetsblog, 10/3 On the right path, but not there yet, Metro, 10/2 Study Shows City Parking Permit Holders Abuse Privilege, WNYC, 9/29 Best Reason to Own a Bike?, New York Press, 9/29 Must they park in city's park?, Daily News, 9/29 Parking abuse chokes St. George, Staten Island Advance, 9/29 Put that anywhere, Metro NY, 9/29 Study Shows City Parking Permit Holders Abuse Privilege, WNYC, 9/29 Backlash Against Parking Permit Abuse, Fort Greene Courier, 9/29 Events for September 28, 2006, New York Observer, 9/28 In St. George, illegal parking assailed as 'bane of business', Staten Island Advance, 9/28 Parking Permit Abuse Study Released, Streetsblog, 9/28 Study Finds City Parking Permits Being Used Illegally, NY1, 9/28 Critics want illegal cop parking in Brooklyn, city curbed, News 12 Brooklyn, 9/28 Privileged Parking: Study Confirms City Workers Violate Parking Laws, WCBS, 9/28 Stop and don't go traffic, New York Daily News, 9/28 Transportation Alternatives - Tacks on the Greenway, ABC 7, 9/27 Gana demanda por 2.5 millones, Hoy, 9/26 Queasy Rider, New York Times, 9/24 It's Slippery (Park) Slope for Cyclists, Daily News, 9/21 Parking it in Midtown, Streetsblog, 9/21 Eyes on the Street: Hudson River Greenway, Streetsblog, 9/20 Reflexionan Sobre Libertades Civiles en la Inter de Ponce, La Perla del Sur, 9/19 Contested Streets Provides New Route Adding to NYC’s Ambitious New Bike Plan, PPOL News, 9/19 Blood in the Streets, Brooklyn Papers, 9/16 Transportation Alternatives is a member-supported non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Join T.A. today!
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