The Transportation Alternatives group found New Yorkers living on high traffic streets were more likely to harbor negative perceptions of their neighborhood. They also spent less time outside and developed fewer relationships with neighbors.

The group is encouraging alternatives to using cars.

"Sixty percent of the traffic in Manhattan below 59th Street is personal vehicles," said Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives. "In the center of Midtown, you see a lot more trucks, but in Manhattan as a whole a lot of it is personal vehicles. Switching those trips to transit trips will free up a lot more space. Managing our parking better will reduce the troll in the trucks as they're looking for that elusive curbside spot. "

The group defines high traffic streets as those that see more than 5,000 vehicles each day.