Transportation Alternatives Statement in Response to City Council’s Call for 75 Miles of Open Streets

Statement of Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris in response to the City Council plan to open 75 miles of streets for physical distancing-compliant movement:

“We applaud the leadership of Council Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera for advancing this bold open streets plan that will ensure New Yorkers who must be out have the safe space they require for physical distancing. In doing so, they are proving that New York seeks to lead, not play catch-up with the scores of other cities around the world opening streets to people as this crisis unfolds.  

Streets account for roughly 80 percent of New York City’s public space, and their ambitious open streets program will give 75 miles of streets back to people, their rightful owner, when New Yorkers desperately need them. Last month, Transportation Alternatives and Bike New York suggested examples of streets that the City should consider opening to pedestrians. 

We call on the City Council and the mayor to implement this plan without delay, and, over time, to expand the program to support the needs of all New Yorkers. Transportation Alternatives stands ready to support our city in providing safe space for residents who must be out and continuing to lead the nation on our approach to safe and open streets.”