City Council Members Yassky and James and the Prospect Park Youth Advocates delivered a simple message to Mayor Bloomberg last week: Brooklyn wants a car-free Prospect Park.

No More Cars--Where?--In Prospect Park

The Prospect Park Youth Advocates brought the car-free parks message to Mayor Bloomberg. Click here to watch the StreetFilm.

"I don't have a backyard, but I do have Prospect Park--Prospect Park is my backyard. I don't know about you guys, but I don't want anyone driving through my backyard." With that simple sentiment, 17-year-old Oswald Bowman kicked off one of T.A.'s most compelling City Hall rallies.

He was joined in his call for a car-free Prospect Park by his fellow Youth Advocates, scores of students from the Brooklyn Academy for Science and the Environment, the Freedom Academy High School and the ACORN Community High School, dozens of community activists, City Council Members James and Yassky, the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band and T.A. supporters like you. It was an incredible event that not only showcased the broad appeal of a car-free Prospect Park, but also made the case with hard data and 10,000 signed postcards asking Mayor Bloomberg to get on board.

Although the Administration has yet to comment on the rally, they surely took notice: City and local newspapers covered the event and TV stations did as well. Whether a car-free Prospect Park comes this fall, next spring or further down the road, exciting, creative, multi-generational events like this one ensure that it will come soon.

To get involved or find out more about the Prospect Park Youth Advocates, go to youthforcarfreeparks.org.

We Came, We Saw, We Park(ed)

This year's Park(ing) Day was a huge hit. Make sure to watch the StreetFilm.

Last Friday, thousands of New Yorkers woke up to a city temporarily transformed. It was the second annual Park(ing) Day NYC, and while millions lay sleeping, a dedicated crew of artists, elected officials, architects and citizens were hard at work turning parking spots around the city into inviting public spaces.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and inspiration of all involved, 53 parking spaces across the five boroughs were repurposed as Park(ing) Spots for the day. 629 pieces of sod turned 6,290 square feet of intimidating asphalt into oases of green on the street. There were games for kids, activities for the creative and chair and benches aplenty for those inclined to recline. And because it's New York, at least two locations even sported free WiFi, a relief to those torn between their love of lounging outdoors and their need to work.

Most of all, Park(ing) Day NYC 2008 was a clarion call for more space for people in a city too often dominated by the automobile. Using scant resources and no more than a sliver of space, Park(ing) Day participants demonstrated the transformative potential that even small reclamations can have. While Manhattan Community Boards Two and Four showcased the principles of a bicycle parking spot swap, a midtown consultancy moved their staff out of doors for the day, meetings and all.

In a city obsessed with the next big thing, Park(ing) Day is a reminder that sometimes a little can go a long way.

Park(ing) Day is the third Friday of September every year. For more information on the event, or how to participate next year, please visit parkingdaynyc.org, and don't forget about Park(ing) Day redux on October 18th at Eyebeam Gallery.

Bring in the Bikes!

The City is closer than ever before to mandating bike access to buildings.

On Wednesday, September 24th, Transportation Alternatives, City Council Members Yassky, James and Liu, and dozens of cycling New Yorkers took to the steps of City Hall in support of a groundbreaking piece of legislation that would require commercial buildings to allow bike access and facilitate bike storage.

For a decade, this type of legislation has been the Holy Grail for many would-be-bicycle-commuters, who consider insecure bike parking to be the primary impediment to riding to work. As of this story's publication, 30 City Council Members are signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. This is heartening to advocates, as is the Mayor's commitment to bicycle access to buildings, which he made clear in PlaNYC.

In the very near future, New Yorkers may finally have no problem bringing their bikes into the work place.

Mobilized Moms Rally for a Car-Free Central Park

Mobilized Moms, Transportation Alternatives and the Campaign for a Car-Free Central Park invite you to a creative, energetic and fun rally for a safe, healthy and car-free Central Park.

Mark October 7th on your calendars and be sure to tell your friends!

With all the great progress being made across the East River in Prospect Park, it's more important than ever before to keep the call for a car-free Central Park loud and clear.

Rally for a Car-Free Central Park
Tuesday, October 7th
4:30 pm
72nd Street and Central Park West (Northeast Corner)
Manhattan

For more information, email peter@transalt.org.

Car-Free Retreat on Governors Island

Transportation Alternatives invites you to celebrate a summer of historic car-free events and explore the possibilities for a greener future. Join us on October 5th from 4-7 pm for a car-free retreat and fundraiser on bike-friendly Governors Island--"one of New York's best kept secrets," featuring a reception at the Admiral's House with special guest Adriaan Geuze, whose West8 design firm is leading the redesign of Governors Island.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit: transalt.org/benefit

Ride the Tour de Bronx

Brought to you by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. and Transportation Alternatives, and in conjunction with Montefiore Medical Center and St. Barnabas Hospital, the Tour de Bronx is New York City's largest FREE biking event.

There is a 25-mile route and a 40-mile route, and both offer snacks and a music festival at the New York Botanical Garden. Please go to tourdebronx.org for registration and more details about the ride.

T.A. Mailing Parties--New Dates

A big thank you to all the amazing volunteers who help send out membership and campaign materials at our bi-weekly mailing parties. Please note that mailing parties will now be held on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. As always, snacks, refreshments and good company await anyone with a little time to volunteer.

Next Mailing Party:
Wednesday, October 1st
6-9 pm
127 W. 26th Street
10th Floor
Manhattan

Lower East Side Kids' Art Bike Parade

How could you even think of saying no?

T.A. is a co-sponsor of the 2nd Annual L.E.S. Kids' Art Bike Parade on Saturday, October 4th. We're expecting several hundred energetic kids from ages 6 to 16 on wildly decorated two-wheelers and scooters for a short (one-mile) parade near Tompkins Square Park. If you can come out, please do--or better still, volunteer!

Call 212-979-2344 or email lesbikeparade@gmail.com to get involved. For more info on the parade go to evccnyc.org.

Support a Fellow T.A. Member on the Climate Ride

Evan is bringing T.A.'s message to Washington, and raising dollars for our advocacy in the process.

T.A. member and volunteer Evan O'Neil is on the Climate Ride this week, biking from New York to Capitol Hill with 120 other cyclists to push for transportation alternatives and immediate action to stop global warming. Once in Washington, the riders will meet with their elected representatives to discuss smart environmental policies for America and the world.

The ride is a fundraiser for Clean Air-Cool Planet and Focus the Nation, two nonprofits that work on environmental education and clean energy solutions. Inspired on his 30th birthday to go further in his advocacy for sustainability, Evan decided to ride the 300 miles and raise $3,000 for the Climate Ride. He has pledged to match every dollar he receives over $3,000 with a gift to T.A. out of his own pocket up to $500. To support Evan (and T.A.!), visit his donation page here.

Bike Rack Design Competition Reception

The DOT and the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum are celebrating the CityRacks Design Competition with a viewing and reception on Tuesday, September 30th. If you plan on attending, RSVP to 212-849-8419 or roand@si.edu.

CityRacks Design Competition Reception
Tuesday, September 30th
6–8 pm
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
2 East 91st Street
Manhattan

Contested Streets at the New York Transit Museum

The New York Transit Museum is presenting a screening of the documentary "Contested Streets: Breaking NYC Gridlock," followed by a discussion led by Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, Paul Steely White. This evening about sustainability and transportation will take place at the Transit Museum's subway station home in Downtown Brooklyn. It is free and open to the public.

Contested Streets Screening
Thursday, October 2nd
6 pm
New York Transit Museum
Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn

Bike and Bird in Jamaica Bay

Birding and biking, a natural combination! Join the Audubon Society and Transportation Alternatives for an eco-friendly excursion to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Riders will meet at the Grand Army Plaza arch and ride 13 miles to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, where they'll dismount and explore the trails in search of migratory shore-birds and water fowl. Bring your bike, a lock and binoculars.

Biking and Birding to Jamaica Bay
Saturday, October 4th
9 am-1 pm
Meet under the arch in Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn
Fee: $20

To sign up or find our more, email ekarff@nycaudubon.org.