October 15: Open Streets, Citi Bike expansion, Vision Zero Cities
Only one in five New Yorkers live within walking distance of an active Open Street, according to our new report, Open Streets Forever, based on surveys completed by hundreds of volunteers who surveyed every Open Street.
Read anecdotes from everyday New Yorkers whose lives have been changed by Open Streets in their neighborhoods:
“I have low vision, to be able to walk on the street with space and few cars feels so freeing and safe.”
–Visitor to the 34th Avenue Open Street.“I love Open Streets. It makes my soul smile. I feel like I’m part of the community.”
–Visitor to the Berry Street Open Street, Brooklyn.“Completely changes the neighbourhood for the better. This should be made permanent.”
–Visitor to the Vanderbilt Avenue Open Street, Brooklyn
Safe streets. Active streets. Accessible streets. The power of Open Streets must be expanded to all. Read our full report and recommendations.
Three Things To Know
1️⃣ Citi Bike now has 1,450 stations around the city. It’s more convenient than ever to pick up a Citi Bike to run errands, see friends and family, and get to work or school. If you live in one of Citi Bike’s new areas, you may be eligible for a 50 percent membership discount. Use the code EXPANSION21 to redeem the offer.
2️⃣ Our Vision Zero Cities conference is next week. Learn about influence of car culture in media and marketing to the new ethics of traffic engineering from experts and advocates creating safe streets and livable cities. Also, join us for guided infrastructure tours through all five boroughs of New York City, including a biking tour of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, a walking tour of Staten Island, and an e-scooter tour of the East Bronx. Space is limited, so sign up today!
3️⃣ Here’s what we’re reading this week. In the news:
Read coverage of our Open Streets Forever report in THE CITY, Streetsblog, the Daily News, NY Post, Gothamist, and City Limits.
The bike boom continues! NY1 and Gothamist cover the continued rise in cycling across the city.
The Regional Plan Association has a new report calling on the city to repurpose streets to help New York City prepare for climate change and recover from the pandemic. Reclaiming space for people — central to our NYC 25x25 vision — is key in RPA’s Re-Envisioning the Right-of-Way report.
A new bike path is coming to Forest Park, connecting Glendale to Woodhaven. The Queens Chronicle has the story.
Two Things to Do
1️⃣ Join us for the #FixCanal Food Tour. On Sunday, Oct. 17 from noon to 3 p.m., go on a journey through Manhattan’s notorious, car-jammed street and see why neighbors, businesses, and local organizations are calling for traffic calming and street safety measures.
2️⃣ Tompkinsville Quarry Ribbon Cutting. The Tompkinsville Quarry isn't a new business. It's simply the best way to define a waterfront that we've allowed to crumble into a pile of rocks over decades of disinvestment. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 23, as we call for the changes that can turn our quarry into a community space that's worth celebrating.
One Action To Take Now
Expand Open Streets to every corner of the city. We must continue to expand and improve Open Streets, especially to underserved communities. Demand Mayor de Blasio — and our city’s next leaders — give streets back to people by funding and expanding permanent 24/7 Open Streets by signing our petition.