Vision Zero Cities, Safe E-bikes and E-scooters, and Richmond Terrace
We brought together leading industry and policy experts, advocates, and elected officials from across the nation for our 10th annual Vision Zero Cities Conference. Through virtual sessions, on-the-ground field tours, networking happy hours, and our in-person conference, we left inspired and energized in the fight for safe streets.
Accompanying the conference is the eighth issue of Vision Zero Cities: International Journal of Traffic Safety Innovation, with articles and lessons from across the world. Published by Transportation Alternatives, this international journal features over a dozen articles on traffic safety innovation and the global vision for Vision Zero.
Our keynote speaker, Veronica Davis, author of Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities, spoke about the loss of her grandparents’ home when I-10 was built throughout Southern Louisiana. Her story is a stark reminder that transportation and mobility policy history in the United States can be both racist and classist, and it’s essential for advocates to combat these long-running inequities. The lessons we learn from these mistakes will be crucial in building a more sustainable and equitable urban future.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Lawmakers at the city and state levels must take action to ensure safe e-bike and e-scooter use. This includes new programs to provide safe batteries for delivery workers, new licensing for businesses selling e-bikes and e-scooters, and closing the loophole that allows people to buy mopeds without registering them. New Yorkers need a strong regulatory framework to ensure riders have access to safe batteries and devices.
TA led its third Richmond Terrace walking tour on Staten Island. Our walking tour series along Richmond Terrace demonstrated the need to restore access to the North Shore waterfront, create a greenway, and improve public transit. Communities along Richmond Terrace are forced to navigate infrastructure from former and current heavy industry-zoned spaces. Together with local elected officials, city agency representatives, and community members, we identified ways to make the long-blighted corridor a safer, more welcoming, and dignified community space.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
Residents of Red Hook are advocating for a regular-fare direct bus route to Manhattan, Streetsblog reports.
Open Plans unveils a new art installation highlighting unfair parking minimums, a Robert Moses-era rule that requires developers to provide off-street parking, amNY reports.
From our Vision Zero Cities Journal: White Roads Through Black Bedrooms reveals issues within our urban design landscape, prioritizing travel over local experiences and burdening marginalized communities.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Join TA's Manhattan Committee on a spooky, family-fun ride this Sunday. From river to river and through the park, this Halloween-themed ride on October 29 will pass several TA campaigns promoting a safe crosstown connection. The ride will end at Riverside Drive and 72nd Street with a family celebration full of music, arts and crafts, and a costume contest!
RSVP for this year’s Tour de Flushing! On October 29, the TA Eastern Queens Committee will host this year's free Tour de Flushing in support of Eastern Queens' parks and food. Explore some of the finest greenways and protected bike lanes in Eastern Queens with a 20-mile loop that includes a stop at downtown Flushing to savor some of your favorite local eats! Don’t worry: We’ll have bike valet!
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Join the TA Bronx/ Uptown Committee’s spooky skate night. This free event in Central Harlem is a family-friendly skate party featuring music, costume contests, and Krispy Kreme donuts! We’ll have extra roller skates available for those who need them. You won't want to miss out on this Halloween costume event on October 28, so lace up your roller skates and don your spookiest attire.
