New Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said she is considering experimenting with a car-free Central Park this summer. Graham Beck, Car Free Central Park Campaign Coordinator for Transportation Alternatives, and Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the New York State Federation of Taxi Cab Drivers, look at the implications.
Comments [4]
This I believe, I believe that Mr. Mateo's veiws are a little self serving. For the most part he represents uptown livery drivers who would love to have access to downtown fares. By and large yellow cab drivers do'nt even know of him (a different foreign demographic).
The city natives leave for the summer or go on vacation(see how many stay for the P.R. Day parade) so general traffic is lightend. Most tourist rarely venture uptown, above 96st unless on tour bus. Tourism is up and so are bike rentals this time of year.
It should be done at least as a feild study. What could it hurt for one season. If they would complete the bike Greenway around the island maybe this would be a moot point. As a side I've driven as a yellow, black and personal driver for over 20 yrs. In short Mr. Mateo does'nt want his drivers hassled south of 96 St.(the unwritten law).
There's no doubt that closing the Central Park Drive loop (not the transverses, of course, which are designed for automobiles and are really separate from the park) to car traffic may add some time to some trips. I hardly think anyone can hold this minor inconvenience up as a sturdy argument against the health and safety benefits of a closure.
In response to the above post, I suggest the author, if they are able, walk that trip along the park loop to see how dangerous it is to have cars speeding (Transportation Alternative data show that cars regularly exceed the speed limit by 10-15 mph) just a few feet from runners, cyclists, walkers and baby stollers. Rush hour is also the busiest time for recreational use of the park.
Add to this the fact that much of the traffic through the park is generated by commuters from points north (again see Transalt.org for data), thereby contributing to Harlem's horrible childhood asthma problem, and I find it unconscionable that we allow this to go on.
I applaud Commissioner Sadik-Khan for her consideration of a closure, but the time for action is now. What a refreshing change from the "Central Park is an important traffic artery" Weinshall regime.
I ride my bike daily in Central Park. The fact is, there is not adequate space for bikers, joggers, walkers, rollerbladers and etc. in the narrow lanes provided when cars are present. This compromises the value of one of the few areas where outdoor exercise is safe and enjoyable in the city. The Park is an oasis in a city otherwise covered with concrete and full of polluting cars. When cars drive through the park, often at very high speeds, they make biking a real danger. What's more, the noise and pollution they create detracts from the beauty and peacefulness of this beautiful place. New York does not lack streets (and the park has several roads crossing it already that don't interfere with those enjoying the park), so let's find other solutions to whatever delays are caused by diverting cars out of the park. I use public transportation to get everywhere...maybe the city would be improved if more people did.
For years, I have taken a cab from East 79th Street to West 56th St.at 4 pm on weekdays. Since the park is now closed, the trip takes 10-15 minutes longer. Traffic now is backed up on 5th Ave and at the 66th St. transverse to a crawl because of the added traffic
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