How Does the Threat of Police Violence Affect How You Use the Street?
When the news came out yesterday that a Staten Island grand jury had failed to indict officer Daniel Pantaleo for killing Eric Garner with an illegal chokehold, like many people I found the outcome difficult to comprehend. With clear video evidence showing that Pantaleo broke NYPD protocol and a coroner's report certifying that Garner's death was a homicide, this grand jury should have reached the conclusion that had eluded grand jurors in the Michael Brown case in St. Louis County: There should be a trial to determine if Pantaleo had committed a crime. But apparently that's not how our justice system works.
December 4, 2014
A 90-Second Appeal to Fix Woodhaven Boulevard With BRT
The BRT for NYC coalition recently released this short video that succinctly makes the case for change on Woodhaven Boulevard in southeast Queens. If you haven't personally experienced Woodhaven as a pedestrian or bus rider, it's a good introduction to what's at stake as NYC DOT and the MTA move forward with a project to improve transit service and street safety along more than 14 miles of this major corridor.
December 3, 2014
This Fare Hike Is Just a Hint of What’s to Come
With the MTA set to raise fares 4 percent over the next two years, it's time for the bi-annual spectacle of fare hike hearings, where political appointees absorb the brunt of straphanger anger so Governor Cuomo doesn't have to.
December 2, 2014
Vance Serves Up Excuses for Failure to Prosecute Motorists Who Kill
On November 14, the same day that Transportation Alternatives convened a national Vision Zero symposium at Brooklyn Law School, Fordham Law School held a day-long event examining the legacy of "Bloomberg's New York." Among the speakers: Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, who sat on an afternoon panel on public safety.
November 26, 2014
If Central Park Was Car-Free, New Safety Measures Could Be in Place 24/7
Four major pedestrian crossings on the Central Park loop will be redesigned to shorten walking distances and alert approaching drivers and cyclists, the city announced today. The new crossing treatments are part of a package that will also lower the speed limit on the loop from 25 to 20 mph.
November 18, 2014