The year 2007 may prove to be one of the most important years in the storied history of New York City's development. In a future timeline of urban advances, it might be printed in as big a font and as bold a type as 1811--when the grid system was adopted--or 1904--when the I.R.T. subway opened. The text adjacent to 2007 could say something like "the start of livable streets," or "the bike boom begins," or "congestion pricing kicks off." It may turn out that all of those descriptions may suit 2007. The real question is, in hindsight, will they?

Good morning. My name is Neel Scott and I am the campaign coordinator for Transportation Alternatives, NYC's advocates for bicyclists, pedestrians, and environmentally sensible transportation. Transportation Alternatives endorses proposed Int. 852 and Int. 855, which would prohibit the use of hands-held cellular phones while driving. Transportation Alternatives applauds Speaker Vallone and Mayor Giuliani for aggressively pursuing this progressive legislation. However, we urge City Council and the Mayor to make these laws truly effective by expanding them to

Cell phones have become immensely popular with car commuters who want to carry on business while speeding down city streets. Studies have shown that both handheld and hands-free cell phones impair a driver's ability to the point that reactions are similar to that of a drunk driver.

Transportation Alternatives, a NYC traffic safety and pedestrian and bicycle advocacy group endorsed City Council legislation prohibiting the use of handheld telephones while driving.

However, the group called on the Mayor and City Council to make this bill only a first step. Expert studies clearly conclude that using a hand-free cell phone while driving is just as dangerous as using a hand-held phone. Researchers have found that the problem is the distraction of the conversation itself - not the act of dialing or holding a phone.