This Week: #RideTogether for Safe Streets for Biking and Walking

More people were killed while biking in NYC during the first eight months of 2016 than all of last year, and total traffic deaths are on track to rise this year as well. It’s up to Mayor de Blasio to pick up the pace of street redesigns to save lives, but so far City Hall has resisted Transportation Alternatives’ call to invest more in safe streets for walking and biking. On Thursday, you can tell the mayor that the status quo is not acceptable.

TA, Families for Safe Streets, and allies will demand the mayor accelerate street safety improvements across the city. The demonstration begins at 6 p.m. at the Fountain of Pomona at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue. The ride starts from there at 6:30, and ends at Washington Square Park. If you want safer streets but don’t bike, everyone is welcome to participate at either end of the ride.

Also this week (and this is a big “also”) — don’t forget to vote in tomorrow’s primaries for state legislative seats! There are several open seats up for grabs, and the winners of these elections will likely gain seats in Albany for many years to come. Some candidates have pledged to support policies like Move NY toll reform and the expansion of automated speed enforcement.

Check the Streetsblog calendar for the full list of this week’s events.

• Monday: Manhattan Community Board 6’s transportation committee will address a number of traffic and pedestrian-safety related concerns at its monthly meeting. 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: Voters head to the polls across the state for local primary elections. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
• Tuesday: The Rudin Center hosts a panel on development and growth in Southwest Brooklyn. 8:45 a.m.
• Wednesday: The City Council holds a hearing on Tish James’ bill to legalize the way New Yorkers cross the street. 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday: Transportation Alternatives and supporters ride together to demand safe streets for biking and walking. 6 p.m.