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Barry Benepe, Greenmarket founder and T.A. co-founder, will speak about Jane Jacobs' legacy at a very special fundraiser on November 26th.
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Articles and Actions
Events and Alerts
T.A. in the News
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Bite Back! |
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Join us as we honor Jane Jacobs on November 26th. Image courtesy the Municipal Art Society.
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"Erosion of cities by automobiles entails so familiar a series of events that they hardly need describing. The erosion proceeds as a kind of nibbling," wrote Jane Jacobs in her 1961 masterpiece The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
She characterized nibbling and much, much more: Jane had a near preternatural ability to see things as they were and deduce what they might become. It's no surprise then that the principle tenets of her meditations on planning and urban development were about seeing the quality of a neighborhood and listening to those who know it best. She was a pioneer of our movement and an architect of its discourse.
On Monday, November 26th, we invite you to see an exhibit honoring Jane's work and listen to two individuals that know her legacy very well, Roberta Gratz, a longtime friend of Jane, and Barry Benepe, one of T.A.'s founders.
Join us for a very special fundraising event, Bite Back at the nibblers and support Transportation Alternatives' growing campaigns to reclaim NYC streets.
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Parking, Parking Everywhere and Not a Spot to Stop |
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Advocates, community groups and the DOT are looking to put an end to double-parking disasters like this one on 7th Avenue in Brooklyn.
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Ask any New Yorker for a parking horror story and you'll hear a tale so tumultuous and twisted that it could easily stand in as Steven King. There are accounts of violence, soul crushing searches, ear splitting screams and sidewalk stealing selfishness. For this reason, and for that "I told you so" tingle we've been feeling a lot of lately, T.A. is pleased to announce that the DOT is holding parking workshops in seven neighborhoods throughout the City. For details, see the event listing below.
From the Agency's press release, it sounds like many of the issues they'll be examining have been touched on by T.A.'s parking work from years past including our seminal studies: Uncivil Servants, Above the Law, Curbing Cars and No Vacancy.
In other parking news, our curbside reclaiming crusade continues when parking guru Dr. Donald Shoup comes to New York on November 10th to talk with members of the UWS Streets Renaissance about simple solutions that will increase vacancy rates at the curbside and decrease the cruising that jams our streets and sullies our air. If you're interested in attending this event, please RSVP at nycstreets.org/uws.
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If You Build It, They Will Need Bike Parking |
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9th Avenue's new cycle-track has ample bike parking--all new bike lanes should be so lucky.
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The new cycle-track on 9th Avenue in Manhattan is a perfect example of the appropriate pairing of new bike lanes and new bike racks. Each block is lined with racks that let the herds of cyclists which flock to this traffic-protected lane know that they're not only accommodated as they travel, but when they stop as well.
Bike rides begin and end with bike parking: It's a simple fact that is too often a limiting factor. Many would-be NYC cyclists never begin their bike trips because of bike parking that's scaled from bad to worse. It may be a simple lack of indoor bike parking space, a fear of using the racks that do exist or negative experiences with the NYPD clipping bikes--whatever it is, it needs to get better.
Right now, there is only one rack for every 40 regular cyclists. With the number of bike riders blooming, the parking gap is growing. The DOT needs to hear that, along with new lanes, cyclists also need new spaces to store their bikes. You can request a free bike rack from the DOT's CityRacks program by filling out this form. And you can let the city know your thoughts on bike parking, and where there is a need for more, by taking this online survey.
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Take Action:
Take this bike parking survey and help with the City's inventory of available bike parking and bike parking needs: nycbikerackstudy.com
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| Enforcement Cameras are Common Sense |
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Enforcement cameras curb bad behavior and save lives.
Photo courtesy Fringehog on Flickr.
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For years, the DOT, the Mayor's office and City Legislators from all levels of government have been asking for more camera enforcement on NYC streets. Yet every time a bill that would allow for more red-light cameras or a pilot program for speed cameras gains momentum, political infighting and back-door horse-trading trumps the safety of our streets.
This needs to change, and there is no better time for it to change than now. New Yorkers are starting to realize that traffic isn't intractable, nor is street safety simply about looking both ways. There are programs and choices that lighten our traffic-load and make streets safer for all users. Red light cameras and speed cameras are two such programs.
Camera enforcement is a simple, proven, cost effective way to save lives and tame traffic. The number of crashes that occur at intersections in NYC where red light cameras are in place is 24% lower than prior to the camera's installation. As for speed cameras, speeding is a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal crashes and speed cameras have been proven to reduce speed wherever they are installed. Think what they could do on Bedford Avenue, where a recent T.A. speed study found 75% of vehicles traveling above the speed limit and several vehicles hitting deadly speeds upwards of 60mph.
In the coming weeks, T.A. will be ratcheting up our camera enforcement campaigns and we'll need your help. Before we call on you with a specific ask, take a moment to email your State Assemblymember and your State Senator and tell them that you support camera enforcement as a way to make NYC streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Take Action:
If you're interested in capturing speeders red-handed email will@transalt.org to volunteer for a speed-gun outing.
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| UWS Streets Renaissance Upcoming Events |
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Help shape the neighborhood streets of the Upper West Side.
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The Upper West Side Streets Renaissance is rolling on with more great events aimed at empowering residents to re-imagine neighborhood streets and make their visions a reality.
Upcoming events include:
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Safe Routes for Seniors on the Upper West Side
Join Transportation Alternatives for an informative discussion sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal's office. Learn about the principles of street design for seniors and how you can get involved with the Safe Routes for Seniors movement. Please RSVP at nycstreets.org/uws.
Thursday, November 15, 1 pm
St. Paul and St. Andrews United Methodist,
263 W. 86th St. at West End Ave
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Dr. Donald Shoup, Author of the "High Cost of Free Parking"
Parking policy is an often ignored, but critical tool for reducing car traffic and building a healthy, livable community. Dr. Donald Shoup will discuss how parking policy change can improve the public realm and generate much needed revenue to do it. Please RSVP at nycstreets.org/uws.
Monday, December 10th, 6 pm
Pope Auditorium
Fordham University
For a full schedule of events and more information about the UWS Streets renaissance, go to nycstreets.org/uws.
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| Save the Date: T.A. Holiday Party 2007 |
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T.A. cordially invites you to forget your winter worries with an evening of holiday cheer! We'll be celebrating another great year of bicycle, pedestrian and mass transit advocacy with good friends, great music and food and drinks aplenty. Won't you join us?
T.A. members and volunteers get in FREE!
Future members get in for $30
The T.A. gift shop will be open
And there'll be a bike raffle!
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Mark your calendars: December 5th is the T.A. Holiday Party
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Transportation Alternatives Holiday Party
December 5
8:30-11 pm
Housing Works Bookstore Café
126 Crosby Street
Manhattan
Valet bike parking will be provided
Subway:
W / R to Prince Street
B / D / F / V to Broadway-Lafayette
6 to Bleecker Street
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| Let Your Voice Be Heard on Transit Fares and Service! |
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The MTA wants your two cents on fares, tolls and transit service.
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In addition to eight public hearings where the MTA heard comments on proposed fare and toll increases, the MTA is holding a special interactive workshop designed to provide a higher level of engagement between riders and the agency. Insiders say there will be a speech by MTA executives explaining the current state of transit financing followed by a series of audience-led breakout discussions that will be recorded and used by the MTA to guide its thinking on fares, tolls and transit service.
Saturday, November 17th
10 am-1:30 pm
New York University, Kimmel Center
KC Rosenthal Pavilion, 10th Floor
60 Washington Square South
Manhattan
Pre-registration required for all participants by phone or web.
Register online at mta.info/workshop or call 212-878-7483.
Sponsored by the Empire State Transportation Alliance and the MTA.
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| Neighborhood Parking Workshops |
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Speak out for sensible parking.
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The City Department of Transportation has announced public workshops in seven neighborhoods to address community concerns about the possible impact of congestion pricing on neighborhood parking. The workshops will be the basis for DOT to potentially develop plans to address any "park and ride" activity if such impacts result from congestion pricing in areas near subway stations and transit hubs outside the charging zone.
The first round of workshops, to be held in late November in the five new study neighborhoods, will look at parking conditions and needs and begin a dialogue on potential parking management strategies. The second set of workshops, to be held in January in all seven areas, will discuss possible parking management strategies (PDF) that have long been touted by T.A (PDF).
The five new study neighborhoods are: the Upper East Side, Manhattan; the Atlantic/4th/Flatbush Avenues Area, Brooklyn; Central Harlem, Manhattan; Forest Hills, Queens; and Long Island City, Queens. Meetings also will be held in January in the Yankee Stadium area of the Bronx and in the Brooklyn Heights/Boerum Hill/Fort Greene sections of Brooklyn, where previous studies were initiated.
Neighborhood Parking Workshop Schedule - First Round:
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November 15th, Long Island City, Queens
7-9 pm (Doors open at 6:30)
The Learning Center
43-82 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11101
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November 19th, Upper East Side
6:30-8:30 pm (Doors open at 6)
Temple Israel
112 East 75th Street
New York, NY 10021
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November 27th, Brooklyn
6:30-8:30 pm (Doors open at 6)
Congregation Beth Elohim
8th Avenue at Garfield Place
Brooklyn, NY 11215
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November 28th, Harlem
6-8 pm(Doors open at 5:30)
The Alhambra Ballroom of New York
2116 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.
New York, NY 10027
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November 29th, Forest Hills, Queens
7-9 pm(Doors open at 6:30)
Forest Hills Jewish Center
106-06 Queens Boulevard
Forest Hills, NY 11375
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TBA
Yankee Stadium Area of the Bronx
Brooklyn Heights / Boerum Hill / Fort Greene
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| New York's Green and Just Future |
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Hear authors, experts and advocates talk 2030.
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On November 17th, the Institute for Urban Design will host a day-long event titled New York 2030, which will focus on Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC, an ambitious project to turn New York into the world's most sustainable metropolis. Anticipating that the city will be home to one million more inhabitants by the year 2030, PlaNYC includes strategies that improve housing, open space, transportation, energy, and air and water quality.
Will PlaNYC really "help to ensure a higher quality of life for generations of New Yorkers to come" and "contribute to a 30% reduction in global warming emissions," as it promises? How will the plan change the course of development in the city, and the way the government operates? The authors of the plan and a panel of experts (including T.A.'s own Paul Steely White) will discuss the plan in detail, and how it will affect professionals and citizens alike.
Saturday, November 17th
Welcome, 10:30 am
PlaNYC Presentations, 11 am-1 pm
Panel Responses, 2-4 pm
The Great Hall, Cooper Union
Free admission
For a full schedule go to instituteforurbandesign.org.
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| Earth Art Show |
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Join us for a fantastic art show inspired by concern for our planet.
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On November 21st at 6:30 PM, T.A. will present at the "Earth Art Show," a multimedia art show produced by Migrating Media & Productions and Alcinda Saphira Studios and sponsored by 15 concerned artists who decided to rethink their hopes and delusions on the global warming, consumption and war issues to find solutions through art, recycling and mutual understanding. The exhibit is up from November 13th to December 1st.
New Century Artists Gallery
530 W. 25th Street
For a complete list of events go to artinearth.com
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| Gansevoort Plaza Community Open House |
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The Greater Gansevoort Urban Improvement Project is happy to announce that the NYC Department of Transportation would like to create a public open space in the Gansevoort Plaza, to be installed this spring. They would like community input regarding both the design and potential programming.
In addition, DOT is interested in feedback about other changes in the neighborhood, including parking regulations, taxi stands, and potential street reversals.
Tuesday, November 27th
Community Open House
6-7:30 pm
1 Little West 12th Street
This is an opportunity for residents, businesses and those who spend considerable time in the area to work with the City to ensure an appropriate design that will enhance our public realm, improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle congestion.
RSVPs requested: greatergansevoort@verizon.net.
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| "Everything's Cool" in NYC |
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Everything's Cool opens at Cinema Village on November 23rd.
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Adam Wolfensohn, a T.A. Advisory Council member and film producer, has invited StreetBeat readers to see Everything's Cool at Cinema Village starting November 23rd. The film is about America finally "getting" global warming in the wake of the most dangerous chasm ever to emerge between scientific understanding and political action. While industry funded nay-sayers sing what just might be their swan song of pseudo- scientific deception, a group of global warming messengers are on a high stakes quest to find the iconic image, the magic language, the points of leverage that will finally create the political will to move the United States from its reliance on fossil fuels to the new clean energy economy - AND FAST.
For more information about the film go to everythingscool.org.
For tickets, showtimes and other informnation go to cinemavillage.com.
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| T.A. in the News |
Stolen Bike? Geeky Chat Room Comes to the Rescue, New York Times, 11/14
Weiner Imagines Paying for His Traffic Plan With a Gas Tax Raise, StreetsBlog, 11/14
Muni Meters Click in on 86th, Brooklyn Paper, 11/10
City Says Mitigate, Borough Will Communicate, Queens Ledger, 11/8
Jan Gehl: Gridlocked Streets Are "Not a Law of Nature", StreetsBlog, 11/7
Sidewalks of New York Become Premium Space, New York Times, 11/7
LEFTist Case Just Isn't Right, The Villager, 11/7
Transportation Leaders Earn Kudos, am New York, 11/4
Cyclists Want Cars Out of Their Lanes, Metro NY, 11/2
Congestion Fee Panel Makes Queens Pit Stop, Queens Chronicle, 11/1
The M23 Gets the Pokey, LoHo 10002, 11/1
The Slowest and the Most Unreliable Buses Awarded This Year, eFlux Media, 11/1
M23, M1 Buses Singled Out As 'Pokey' and 'Schleppie', New York Sun, 10/31
Groups Name City's Slowest, Least Reliable Buses, Newsday, 10/31
Slow M23 Bus Wins this Year's 'Pokey' Award, New York Daily News, 10/31
'Fowl' Bus Service, New York Post, 10/31
The Slowest Pokes, Metro NY, 10/31
Awards Given For Slowest, Most Unreliable Buses, WCBS,
Group Honors NYC's Slowest Bus with "Pokey" Award, Staten Island Advance, 10/31
Congestion Plan a Transit Boon for Bronx Commuters, New York Daily News, 10/31
Group Honors NYC's Slowest Bus with "Pokey" Award, Newsday, 10/31
Straphangers:M-23 City's Pokiest Bus, am New York, 10/30
More Bike Lanes, And More Bikers, On City Streets, WNYC, 10/30
Transit Advocates "Honor" City's Slowest Bus Routes, NY1, 10/30
Straphangers Award Worst Bus Routes, WABC-TV, 10/30
Crosstown at a Snail's Pace, am New York, 10/30
Transportation Alternatives is a member-supported non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Join T.A. today!
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