Reclaim Streets as Public Space
Pedestrian-friendly streets benefit all New Yorkers, because at some point in their day, every New Yorker is a pedestrian. Our streets are our largest public space, and they must serve the needs of New Yorkers no matter where they live or how they get around. Whether this means closing streets to car traffic and opening them to walking and biking, widening sidewalks to make them more accessible, or allowing space in our streets for gathering, dining, and play, we must rethink our streets to meet the needs of every community in New York City. Transportation Alternatives is fighting to:
Create a safer and more pleasant pedestrian experience on streets across the city with wider sidewalks, curb extensions, and street trees
Expand car-free and low-traffic spaces in every borough for transportation and recreation, and for use by the community, local businesses, street vendors, and restaurants.
Expand the successful public plaza, Street Seats, Open Streets, and Open Restaurants programs
Build safe, green public spaces outside every New York City school, creating space for enrichment and play
Pedestrian-friendly streets…
…make our air cleaner.
After Times Square was pedestrianized, pollution levels fell 63%, and pedestrianized “school streets” in London reduced air pollution around schools by 74%.
…make our streets safer.
After pedestrian plazas were built in Midtown Manhattan, crash-related injuries in the area fell 63% among drivers and 35% among pedestrians.
…are good for business.
At Brooklyn’s Willoughby Plaza, sales revenue rose 47% after installation, and a 2022 analysis found that for restaurants on Open Streets, sales revenue increased 19% compared to a 29% drop citywide. 100% of local merchants surveyed on Manhattan’s temporarily pedestrianized Doyers Street supported making the changes permanent.
…are popular with New Yorkers.
Polling in Brooklyn found 86% support for Prospect Heights pedestrianized corridors, 85% support for the Willoughby Avenue Open Street, and 60% support for pedestrianizing the car-clogged Grand Army Plaza.
Pedestrianization Campaigns
