T.A. StreetBeat

T.A. StreetBeat

February 4th, 2010

You can vote for T.A. once a day between now and February 28th,
so mark your calendars and set a daily reminder.

Articles and Actions

To Live and Die in NY
The Other Health Care Debate
Calling All Cabs

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Events and Alerts

Biking is for Lovers!
Personal Ad

T.A. in the News

"Right now, one neighborhood's relief doesn't diminish a crisis that's hitting dozens more. We need big infusions in the MTA operating budget to keep the rest of the proposed cuts from taking effect."

-Wiley Norvell quoted in The B25 is Alive! YourNabe.com, 1/15

To Live and Die in NY

The City's new Active Design Guidelines are good news for the next generation of New Yorkers. They're the ones who will really benefit from a built environment that encourages people to take the stairs, walk, bike and live a healthier life. What a wonderful future they'll have!

But for those of us living in the here and now, riding the elevator, sucking exhaust, and dodging traffic like our lives depend on it, there's a study from across the pond that's worth reading the next time your bus gets stuck behind an idling 18-wheeler on a neighborhood street: according to British researchers, reducing the speed limit in parts of London to 20 mph could save more than 100 lives each year. "This study provides detailed evidence to suggest that 20 mph zones are effective in reducing the risks of casualties in a major metropolitan area," the authors write.

What a simple, cost-efficient, life-saving suggestion! We'd love to live long enough to watch the next generation grow up and enjoy a city that really benefits from the new Active Design Guidelines and think New York City should adopt 20 mph zones to help us get there. Are you with us?

At 20 mph, a pedestrian hit by a car has a 5% chance of death. At 30 mph (the current NYC speed limit), they're nine times as likely to die. In the coming months and years, T.A. will begin to beat the drum for 20 mph zones throughout the city. They're not only common sense, but a simple step that will help us see all the hard work we've done pay off.

The Other Health Care Debate

Are our streets making us sick? The next issue of T.A.'s Reclaim magazine -- hot off the presses and soon to arrive in mailboxes -- trains its sights on the growing role doctors, nurses and health professionals have in road safety. Health Commissioner Tom Farley talks about his agency's vision for healthy streets, Miss Heather's takes on NYC community boards, and there's an insider's guide to the must-haves of winter cycling.

Only T.A. members get Reclaim. Not a member? Join today.

Calling All Cabs

Image courtesy Olivander.

Wait! No! Don't pick up! As of last Friday, all TLC-licensed drivers -- that includes anyone behind the wheel of a taxicab, black car, livery, limousine, paratransit vehicle or commuter van -- cannot use any portable electronic devices that allows them to talk, text, communicate or become distracted in any way.

These long overdue Distracted Driving Regulations were passed by the TLC on December 17, 2009, at the behest of Transportation Alternatives, the National Safety Council and many other advocacy groups.

Though the penalties associated with this new law -- a $200 fine and three points for the first offense, a 30-day license suspension for the second, and revocation for the third violation within 15 months -- are stiff, enforcement is still the key issue. A regulation is only as good as the City's commitment to it, and we're hoping that the NYPD and TLC keep up with their campaigns to make sure drivers are following these new rules.

Biking is for Lovers!

Image courtesy Germeister.

Celebrate Valentine's Day, bicycling, Transportation Alternatives and all of our sexy members at this year's first mixer. Join us at NYC Velo on Thursday, February 11th. $10 will get you in the door, where free snacks, Brooklyn Brewery beer and who knows what else await!

Join or renew your membership at the door and we'll wave the admission fee. If that isn't reason enough, NYC Velo will extend its longstanding 10% discount for T.A. members to all products, as well as an extra 10% off any winter jacket and other special seasonal sales. Plus, in tribute to our evening's theme, we'll have a special contest to see who loves bicycling the most...

Biking is for Lovers
Thursday, February 11th
7-9 pm
NYC Velo
64 2nd Avenue
Manhattan, NY

$10 at the door
Click here to RSVP.

Personal Ad

35-year old biking, walking and public transit advocacy organization seeks lightly used computer equipment for long-term relationship and use beyond obsolescence. Particularly interested in:

Computers (Mac or PC, Core 2 Duo equivalent or higher)
Flat-panel monitors (19" or larger)
Digital cameras (5 megapixels or greater)
HD video cameras
USB flash drives

Flatbed scanner or film scanner (high-resolution professional grade)
Swivel office chairs
Dust masks (unused)
Laminator
ArcGIS software
Photo archiving materials

Email tech@transalt.org if you know of a good fit.