It's been quite a while since we last updated you on the status of the car-free Central Park campaign. Here's what's been happening and the prospects for a completely car-free park this summer.

First, as you are probably aware, we have won some incremental gains in the past half-year. Last August, the Department of Transportation (DOT) agreed to push back the time when cars are allowed on the West Drive from 7 am to 8 am on weekdays. With this additional hour, the West Drive is now open to traffic for only two hours a day, from 8-10 am.

Then, this fall, DOT for the first time quietly failed to open the parks' gates to traffic for the so-called "holiday hours," when car-free hours have traditionally been suspended to make it easier for motorists to drive to Midtown during the holiday season. For a recent Streetsblog article on this development and driver reaction to it, go to streetsblog.org/2008/01/11/what-if-dot-simply-forgot-to-open-the-parks-to-traffic.

These improvements have come about in large part thanks to the creative new leadership at DOT. The question now is whether the Bloomberg Administration will get behind the next logical step: a three-month trial closing of the park to cars this summer.

We believe that significant inter-agency support for a closure exists, including the Parks and Health Departments, as well as the leadership at the Central Park Conservancy. A three-month trial also has the backing of four out of the five Council members whose districts surround the park. And of course, there are the more than 100,000 park lovers who have signed a petition calling for an entirely car-free park.

It is hard to think of a more appropriate or symbolic way to put into practice the mayor's call for a "greener, greater New York City" than by embracing a summer closure. But, incredible as it may seem, even a progressive new DOT and the mayor's strong sustainability plan may not be enough for the Bloomberg Administration to agree to a three-month closure. Why? If this turns out to be the case, the best guess would be that some very influential people do not want to lose their right to drive (or be driven) through the park, even temporarily.

Of course, Transportation Alternatives will also continue to pursue direct legislative means to win a car-free summer. We are pushing for New York City Council Transportation Chair John Liu to hold hearings on Intro. 0276-2006 ("Car Free Parks Bill"). We will also continue to work hard to gain the support of Council Speaker Christine Quinn and enough Council members so that when the bill passes, it does so with a veto-proof majority. A similar bill introduced two years ago by Upper West Side Council member Gale Brewer had broad Council support before it was tabled by the Council leadership.

In the coming months, we may be asking you to help put us over the top this summer – rallying, writing letters, making phone calls. You've been there before for the park you love. I know you'll be there for it again.

Ken Coughlin, Chair
Transportation Alternatives' Car-Free Central Park Campaign