Letters

Fewer Curb Cuts on the Upper West Side
Dear Borough President Fields:
It does not make much sense that pedestrians on sidewalks or at curb cuts are expected to look for turning cars-it is the responsibility of the motorist. Unfortunately, motorists in NYC are notorious for not yielding to pedestrians: 54% of pedestrians struck in crosswalks are crossing with the light.

Landmark West, a West Side civic group, is opposing a special permit to open a public parking garage that will require adding another curb cut at 1926 Broadway (64th to 65th Streets). The enormous 29-story mixed-use building at that address already has two curb cuts; the developer has proposed adding a third curb cut and a 250-car garage. This is an area with a great deal of foot traffic. Multiply three curb cuts per building by tens of thousands of buildings and you can see why neighbors are concerned. Creeping clusters of curb cuts crush the city's already threatened pedestrian spaces. This proliferation of parking garages also encourages more motorists to enter Manhattan by car. We need to encourage public transport and don't need to add to vehicular congestion.

Thank you for your time,
Sarah Johnson

Thank You T.A.
This is a fan letter-I just want to let all of you at T.A. know how much I appreciate your work. I joined three or four years ago, when I first got a bike and started puttering around. T.A. provided a way to learn about cycling issues and activities, and to support my new-found interest. Over time, as I've biked more and, through involvement in neighborhood issues, seen how hard it is to create and sustain multi-level advocacy, I've become more and more impressed with the job you do. The terrific Winter 2002 magazine was the specific inspiration for this letter-full of concrete, practical ideas T.A. is providing to improve our bicycling (and pedestrian) life, and instructions on how to follow up. I have seen T.A.'s profile rise over the past several years, and I think its because T.A. underpins its advocacy with tangible ideas and actions. T.A.'s voice is more important than ever, and I hope all of you sustain your energy and commitment-you are really important to our quality of life in New York City.
Sincerely,
Carol S. Kostik