Janette Sadik-Khan: New York's streets? Not so mean any more

TL;DR

This article explores the transformation of New York City's streets through the work of the transportation commissioner, highlighting the ability to remake streets quickly and inexpensively for the benefit of all citizens.

Transcript

The work of a transportation commissioner isn't just about stop signs and traffic signals. It involves the design of cities and the design of city streets. Streets are some of the most valuable resources that a city has, and yet it's an asset that's largely hidden in plain sight. And the lesson from New York over the past six years is that you can ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏢 Design of cities is a key issue for the future because most people now live in urban areas and the population is expected to double in the next 40 years.
• 🚗 New York City's streets were largely outdated for generations, but through quick and inexpensive updates, the city was able to maximize efficient mobility and create more space for buses, bikes, and pedestrians.
• 🏙️ Times Square was transformed into a pedestrian-friendly area through a pilot program that closed off a section of Broadway and created new pedestrian space. The results were overwhelmingly positive in terms of traffic, safety, and business.
• 🪑 The addition of simple temporary elements like lawn chairs can have a big impact on public perception of a project, as seen with the positive response to the chairs placed in Times Square during the temporary pilot program.
• 🌳 By repurposing underutilized areas and using temporary materials like paint and planters, New York City was able to quickly create new public spaces that improved business activity and revitalized neighborhoods.
• 🚴 New York City rapidly expanded its cycling infrastructure and bike share program, resulting in increased ridership, improved safety, and a more diverse group of cyclists.
• 🚌 The city also implemented bus rapid transit lines and dedicated bus lanes to improve bus speeds and provide a faster and more efficient transportation option.
• 🏙️ The success of New York City's street transformation projects has inspired other cities around the world to adopt similar approaches, showing that it is possible to quickly and affordably reimagine and improve city streets.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the work of a transportation commissioner beyond stop signs and traffic signals?

The work of a transportation commissioner involves the design of cities and city streets. They focus on maximizing efficient mobility, providing more space for buses, bikes, and pedestrians to improve the quality of life and efficiency of a city's infrastructure.

Q: Why are streets considered valuable resources for a city?

Streets are considered valuable resources for a city because they play a crucial role in urban life. They are used for transportation, business activities, and leisure. By redesigning and updating streets, cities can enhance mobility, safety, and create more public spaces for people to enjoy.

Q: Why is the design of cities an important issue for the future?

The design of cities is a significant issue for the future because the majority of people now live in cities, and the global population is projected to double in the next 40 years. To accommodate this growth and ensure the efficiency of infrastructure, cities need to focus on urban planning and design to enhance the quality of life for their residents.

Q: How did New York City transform its streets through a different approach?

New York City transformed its streets by taking a different approach that involved looking at streets differently and using temporary materials. An example of this is the transformation of Times Square, where they closed off a section of Broadway and created pedestrian space using temporary materials like lawn chairs. This approach allowed them to measure the impact and make changes accordingly.

Q: What were the results of the new approach in Times Square?

The new approach in Times Square had overwhelming results. Traffic moved better, it was safer, and it attracted more businesses. Five new flagship stores opened in the area, and Times Square became one of the top 10 retail locations worldwide. This demonstrated that it doesn't have to be a trade-off between efficient traffic flow and creating public spaces.

Q: How did New York City make cycling a real transportation option?

New York City made cycling a transportation option by creating an interconnected network of bike lanes and introducing designs like parking-protected bike lanes. These efforts increased bike volumes, improved safety for all road users, and reduced injuries by 50 percent. This success led to New York City becoming one of the cycling capitals in the United States.

Q: How did New York City improve its bus system?

New York City improved its bus system by focusing on the most congested areas and implementing bus rapid transit lines and dedicated bus lanes. Paying at kiosks before boarding and strict enforcement of the lanes helped increase bus speeds and improve overall efficiency. This initiative aimed to address the slowest bus speeds in North America and provide a faster and more efficient public transportation option.

Q: What key lesson can be learned from New York City's approach to street design?

The key lesson from New York City's approach to street design is that it is possible to quickly and inexpensively change streets to provide immediate benefits and be well-received by the public. By reimagining and utilizing temporary materials, cities can transform their streets, enhance mobility, create public spaces, and improve the overall quality of life for their residents.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Transportation commissioners have a role in designing cities and city streets, which are valuable resources that are often overlooked.

• The design of cities is important because the majority of people now live in urban areas, and the population is expected to double in the next 40 years.

• The New York City Department of Transportation has successfully implemented changes to city streets, such as creating pedestrian plazas, protected bike lanes, and bus rapid transit lines, resulting in improved safety, increased retail sales, and a rise in cycling as a transportation option.