Happy Thanksgiving

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We do a lot of criticism here on Streetsblog, so in the spirit of the season we thought we’d reflect on what we in the livable streets universe have to be thankful for.

We’ll get the most obvious one out of the way: a Department of Transportation that looks at the city’s streets and sees more than just cars. Then there are the many specific improvements we’ve seen under the "new" DOT, from sidewalk directional decals to the Ninth Ave cycle track to the hiring of Jan Gehl. And of course there’s a lot going on that doesn’t involve city government.

What’s on your list?

Photo: Louanne/Flickr

  • Clarence Eckerson

    I am thankful that I had to move this year to a place further from the subway thus forcing me to use my bike even more and discover the joys of becoming a true bike commuter.

  • I’m thankful for (i) the astonishingly vibrant new regime at DOT, to whom I extend fulsome praise and commensurate expectations; (ii) Streetsblog and the whole Streets Renaissance Campaign for their transformative impacts on the politics of streets, public space and transportation; (iii) my good health and energy that are enabling me to cycle 3,000 miles for the third year in a row (of course that causality works both ways!).

  • Mark Fleischmann

    Manhattan West 90s residents are grateful for the fabulous new 96th Street subway station, constructed just started, despite the sidewalk nibbling. We also love our newly renovated overpass at 96th Street which enables peds and drivers to float over the entrance to the Henry Hudson Parkway. We’re grateful to everyone who’s been tidying up Riverside Park, especially the volunteers at the 92nd Street Community Garden. We also have deep veneration for the city fathers who designed the walkable street grid of the Upper West Side, and love strolling down the wide sidewalks of Broadway on a sunny weekend afternoon, when they’re filled with throngs of pedestrians and baby carriages.

  • ddartley

    I’m thankful for digital cameras so I can take pictures of 18 Wheelers driving on city sidewalks:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/10798592@N08/2053554174/

  • Ian Turner

    I’m thankful for the superlative livable-streets organizations we have here in New York, including Transportation Alternatives and all the folks at the Open Planning Project, which naturally includes everyone here at Streetsblog. The people at these organizations are motivated, skilled, and effective, and there is no question that we would not be where we are today without them. Deserving thanks also go to these organizations’ funders, especially to Mark Gorton; without his commitment, none of the people at streetsblog or streetsfilms would be able to dedicate the kind of time that they do to our streets.

    Thanks all!

  • Grand Army Plaza and the coalition who pushed for the changes. It’s looking pretty good these days and only promises to get better.

  • Slopion

    Oh, the bike lane on 9th Street in Brooklyn! Can’t believe I forgot.

  • glennQ

    Street-related things I’m thankfull for:
    -The High Line.
    -Technological advancements in the combustion engine that enable more efficient use of fuel. (BMW deserves kudos in particular)
    -Our relatively low fuel prices.
    -MRAPs for our armed forces.
    -GPS navigation.
    -Consideration for cyclists gaining popularity.
    -Cycling shoes (for clipless pedals) that look like street shoes.
    -Cylinder deactivation.
    -People opposed to the congestion tax.

  • Chris H

    New Jersey’s smart growth focus including the fact that only 2.5% of the annual transportation budget goes towards highway expansion (although it should be closer to 0%…).

  • Eric

    I’m grateful that Park Slope’s 6th & 7th Avenues are still calm two-way streets, thanks to an unprecedented community uprising.

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