Times Square traffic ban is the result of behind-the-scenes advocacy
By Buddy Evans, President of Big Bucks Auto™
Contestants of the 5th Annual Commuter Race
You might notice while walking through New York City, the buzz has centered around Times Square traffic – or, more accurately, the lack of vehicle traffic.
NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s decision to temporarily cease car traffic on a few selected blocks of Broadway in Times Square is certainly a win for pedestrians and fans of city cycling. I talk in detail about the social implications of such a move in a recent article on BigBucksAuto.com, “What Do Times Square Street Closures in New York City Mean for American Car Culture?”
Pedestrian, bicycle advocacy group a major player
At Big Bucks Auto – long a proponent of addressing traffic concerns and investigation transportation alternatives – we have decided to step into the fray by providing support and drawing attention to a group that has been championing pedestrian and bicycle advocacy for decades.
Since 1973, Transportation Alternatives has been working tirelessly to “reclaim New York City’s streets from the automobile and to advocate for bicycling, walking and public transit as the best transportation alternatives.”
Bicycle Advocacy and more
While this new rash of publicity over the Times Square traffic ban has raised awareness of the ubiquitous motor vehicle in New York City, Transportation Alternatives has been advocating relatively behind-the-scenes to change our approach to getting from point A to B:
“T.A. seeks to change New York City’s transportation priorities to encourage and increase non-polluting, quiet, city-friendly travel and decrease–not ban–private car use. We seek a rational transportation system based on a ‘Green Transportation Hierarchy,’ which gives preference to modes of travel based on their benefits and costs to society. To achieve our goals, T.A. works in five areas: Bicycling, Walking and Traffic Calming, Car-Free Parks, Safe Streets and Sensible Transportation.”
City cycling vs. Times Square traffic
The folks at Transportation Alternatives have become the authoritative source for information on modes of transportation other than single-occupancy vehicles and the leading advocates for changes in public policy.
For a more anecdotal example of how Transportation Alternatives spreads the word, consider the group’s fifth annual commuter race, held in late May. Three contestants commuted from Sunnyside, Queens to Columbus Circle – a 4.2 mile Queens-to-midtown scramble.
With three contestants each using a different mode of transportation, Rachel Myers made the rush-hour trek in a shade over 20 minutes. Dan Hendrick showed up about 15 minutes later and Willie Thompson almost 15 minutes after that.
It might surprise you to find that Myers was on a bicycle, Hendrick on the subway and last-place Thompson was in a cab (and $30 poorer).
Help Transportation Alternatives promote cycling, mass transit, walking through the city
So, with a simple event, Transportation Alternatives provided irrefutable evidence that the most environmentally-friendly, most healthy mode of travel was also the fastest.
It is because of this work and the mission of Transportation Alternatives that Big Bucks Auto supports their advocacy efforts.
The folks at Transportation Alternatives say it best: “Every day, policy makers and journalists turn to T.A. as the authority on cyclists and pedestrian safety. Why? Because we’re making a difference by changing the face of New York’s streets and improving the lives of cyclists, walkers and transit users.”
Buddy Evans is the Vice President of Big Bucks Auto™, one of the largest and most reputable used car buyers in the Tri State Area. Buddy has authored several automotive articles and Big Bucks Auto™ eNewsletters about various topics related to the automotive industry. Visit Buddy and his team at Big Bucks Auto™ to sell your used car or get a free car appraisal. Call us today at 1-888-44-BUCKS or 1-888-442-8257.
Learn more about why you should choose Big Bucks Auto to buy your car and call us today at 1-888-44-BUCKS or 1-888-442-8257.
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Tags: bicycle advocacy, city cycling, transportation alternative, walking new york city
