New York is closing down its roads to cars!

In a move that is likely to have a dramatic ripple affect on thinking on Urban Renewal across the globe- New York City is closing down some of its major roads to cars. A program titled “Green Light for Midtown” has turned lanes of Broadway in Times Square and Herald Square into pedestrian zones. The ambitious pilot program is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety at targeted locations.

According to New York’s Department of Transport – 356,000 pedestrians walk through Times Square each day. And even though there are 4.5 times as many people as vehicles in Times and Herald Squares – only 11% of the space was allocated for pedestrians. As a result, Broadway at Times Square averages 137% more pedestrian crashes than at other avenues in the area.

The result of the program is truly fantastic. Times Square which was once full of chaotic car traffic is now a public square.The leader behind this transformation is the charismatic and dynamic Janette Sadik-Khan, Commisioner of the New York’s Department of Transportation. I had a chance to interview the Commissioner and I predict that she is soon going to join the assembly of some of the world’s most legendary urbanists for the pioneering programs she is leading in the city.“PlaNYC agenda, which is our sustainability agenda, calls for us to design strategies to help New York be the biggest, greenest city on the planet.” She said.

“21st century cities need to understand that sustainability and mobility are twin sides, of the same coin.” She added.Today, Transport Sector contributes to around a quarter of energy use & related greenhouse gas emissions that have led to Climate Change. But, while other sectors have managed to reduce their energy use and related emissions; the transport sector emissions have been consistently increasing. Reducing energy use in the transport sector is among the most challenging tasks in Climate Change Mitigation. So it is exciting to see New York, arguably the most important city of the world taking on such bold steps towards dealing with one of the most challenging urban development issues of our times.

Ps:

Look out for Janette Sadik-Khan’s interview in “Urban Vision 101 “, which is an audio interview series , that will be available on the brand new TUV website we are launching shortly.