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?

1. First, let me start off by saying that Transportation Alternatives appreciates the goal and determination of Council Member Millard and other Council Members to create a safer environment for pedestrians. Long before Council Member Millard or his bill, Transportation Alternatives has been standing up for pedestrians. Pedestrian rights and safety are a primary goal of our organization.

Good afternoon, my name is Gian-Claudia Sciara. I am the bicycle program coordinator of Transportation Alternatives, and I am a long-time everyday bicyclist in New York City. Transportation Alternatives is a 4,000 member organization and the country's largest bicycle advocacy organization.

For almost 30 years, we have worked to make the city a safer and better place to ride a bicycle. Our staff includes nationally recognized experts on bicycle policy, and our 161 page Bicycle Blueprint is widely considered the last word on New York City bicycling.

Good morning, my name is Gian-Claudia Sciara. I am the bicycle program coordinator of Transportation Alternatives and a long-time everyday bicyclist in New York City. Transportation Alternatives is a 5,000 member organization and the country’s largest bicycle advocacy organization.

Good morning, my name is Gian-Claudia Sciara. I am the bicycle program coordinator of Transportation Alternatives and a long-time everyday bicyclist in New York City. Transportation Alternatives is a 5,000 member organization and the country’s largest bicycle advocacy organization.

Testimony of Noah Budnick, Projects Director, Transportation Alternatives

Hello, my name is Noah Budnick. I am Projects Director for Transportation Alternatives, the advocates for bicyclists, pedestrians and sensible transportation.

In an average year in New York City motor vehicles kill ten pedestrians on the sidewalk and injure at least 600. In the same average year bicycles kill no pedestrians and injure fewer than 200 pedestrians. In the same average year, motor vehicles kill 200 pedestrians and injure 11,000 in the street.

Cyclists will gather at Central Park and ride down Fifth Avenue demanding respect for cyclist and safe street for all.

Press Conference to follow steps of City Hall 1:00 PM

Chris Donohue, cyclist hit and dragged for eight blocks and students of teacher Joel Kushner, slain cyclist from Edward R. Murrow High School will share their sorrow, describe how their lives were tragically altered, but will also implore the Mayor to start protecting New Yorkers from motoring menance in the streets.

Motor Vehicle as Cause: Annual Injuries & Fatalities in NYC
Pedestrians Killed by Autos Each Year*** 225
Pedestrians Struck & Injured by Autos Each Year*** 12,973
Bicyclists Killed by Autos Each Year** 15
Pedestrians Struck by Cars Mounting Sidewalks*** 483
Pedestrians Killed by Cars Mounting Sidewalks* 15

* Averaged from NYC DOT statistics 1988-1994
**Averaged from NYC DOT statistics for years 1991-1995
***Averaged from NYC DOT statistics for years 1989-1994

Last night, twenty cyclists and pedestrians clad in bright orange-vests walked and pedaled up First Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side to combat bad bikers and outlaw motorists. The group, organized by Transportation Alternatives (T.A.), travelled from 72nd Street to 92nd Street distributing some 300 mock summonses and leaflets to drivers and cyclists who violated New York City Traffic Law. Representatives of Council Members Gifford Miller and Andrew Eristoff and 19th Precinct Police Officer Louis Verdolino also participated in the event, helping kick off T.A.'s