[sustran] New York is closing down its roads to cars!

[Vinay Baindur]

http://www.theurbanvision.com/blogs/?p=280


*New York is closing down its roads to cars!*

Posted By *Prathima Manohar* On November 8, 2009 @ 10:51 am In *Mobility* |
*No Comments<http://www.theurbanvision.com/blogs/?p=280&print=1#comments_controls>
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 In a move that is likely to have a dramatic ripple affect on thinking on
Urban Renewal across the globe- New York City is closing down some of its
major roads to cars. A program titled [1] “Green Light for Midtown”
<http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/broadway.shtml> has turned lanes of
Broadway in Times Square and Herald Square into pedestrian zones. The
ambitious pilot program is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and
improving safety at targeted locations.

According to New York’s Department of Transport - 356,000 pedestrians walk
through Times Square each day. And even though there are 4.5 times as many
people as vehicles in Times and Herald Squares - only 11% of the space was
allocated for pedestrians. As a result, Broadway at Times Square averages
137% more pedestrian crashes than at other avenues in the area.

The result of the program is truly fantastic. Times Square which was once
full of chaotic car traffic is now a public square.The leader behind this
transformation is the charismatic and dynamic Janette Sadik-Khan,
Commisioner of the New York’s Department of Transportation. I had a chance
to interview the Commissioner and I predict that she is soon going to join
the assembly of some of the world’s most legendary urbanists for the
pioneering programs she is leading in the city.“PlaNYC agenda, which is our
sustainability agenda, calls for us to design strategies to help New York be
the biggest, greenest city on the planet.” She said.

 “21st century cities need to understand that sustainability and mobility
are twin sides, of the same coin.” She added.Today, Transport Sector
contributes to around a quarter of energy use & related greenhouse gas
emissions that have led to Climate Change. But, while other sectors have
managed to reduce their energy use and related emissions; the transport
sector emissions have been consistently increasing. Reducing energy use in
the transport sector is among the most challenging tasks in Climate Change
Mitigation. So it is exciting to see New York, arguably the most important
city of the world taking on such bold steps towards dealing with one of the
most challenging urban development issues of our times.

  Ps:

Look out for Janette Sadik-Khan’s interview in “Urban Vision 101 “, which is
an audio interview series , that will be available on the brand new TUV
website we are launching shortly.

  [image: Times Square]

Times Square