{"id":1939,"date":"2020-04-17T12:08:36","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T12:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=1939"},"modified":"2020-04-17T12:08:36","modified_gmt":"2020-04-17T12:08:36","slug":"speaker-corey-johnson-and-council-member-carlina-rivera-to-introduce-legislation-to-open-city-streets-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2020\/04\/17\/1939\/","title":{"rendered":"Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Carlina Rivera to Introduce Legislation to Open City Streets During Coronavirus\/COVID-19 Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK, NY \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member\u00a0Carlina\u00a0Rivera\u00a0will introduce\u00a0legislation to open city streets to pedestrians and cyclists during the coronavirus\/COVID-19 pandemic\u00a0to allow New Yorkers more room for social distancing. The\u00a0legislation, which has widespread Council support,\u00a0will be introduced at the Council\u2019s April 22 Stated Meeting. The bill\u00a0will\u00a0require the city\u00a0to allocate more street space to pedestrians and cyclists\u00a0in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs, with a\u00a0citywide target of 75 miles of streets.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNew Yorkers\u00a0don\u2019t have the\u00a0street space\u00a0they need\u00a0to maintain proper social distancing, which we know is essential in this public health crisis.\u00a0While we\u00a0want to work collaboratively with the administration to\u00a0open\u00a0streets,\u00a0this\u00a0issue is so\u00a0important\u00a0and so urgent\u00a0that we are\u00a0taking\u00a0legislative action\u00a0to make it happen ourselves.\u00a0Other cities\u00a0across the country and\u00a0around the world have demonstrated that this is doable.\u00a0There is no reason we can\u2019t\u00a0do this here,\u201d\u00a0said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years, New York City led the nation in developing innovative solutions to our biggest urban challenges. Now we’ve fallen behind so many other cities during the COVID-19 crisis, including when it comes to ensuring proper social distancing on our streets for New Yorkers, from the senior going to the grocery store, to the essential worker on their way to the hospital. And as the weather gets warmer and more New Yorkers seek brief respites from stuffy, cramped, and often un-airconditioned homes, we have to provide them with outdoor spaces where they can properly social distance, and our parks just can’t do the job alone. I’m proud to be leading this effort, and I look forward to working with the Mayor’s Office and DOT collaboratively, but let’s be clear – the need for expansive open streets in New York City\u00a0can not\u00a0wait any longer,\u201d\u00a0said Council Member and Lead Sponsor\u00a0Carlina\u00a0Rivera.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI am proud to stand alongside Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member\u00a0Carlina\u00a0Rivera in sponsoring this bill. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been calling for the City to open the streets for pedestrians and cyclists to use during this national health crisis,\u201d said\u00a0Council Member\u00a0Ydanis\u00a0Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cThe increase in cyclists we saw in March must also be accompanied by an increase in street space available for all New Yorkers to use. We must also continue working to expand the bike-sharing programs to nearby hospitals and medical centers for all healthcare workers and members of the community to use during this time. I will continue working alongside my colleagues and DOT Commissioner Polly\u00a0Trottenberg\u00a0to ensure that New Yorkers continue to practice safe social distancing procedures while maintaining a healthy way of life during these unprecedented times.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAddressing the impact of dealing with COVID-19 also requires maintaining physical health and mental health.\u00a0 New Yorkers have been mostly indoors for more than a month.\u00a0 While “stay at home” measures are working to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, they also have unintended consequences for mental and physical health, for which exercise is an important component.\u00a0 Let’s open streets to pedestrians, while we continue to enforce social distancing and face covering.\u00a0 People need more space for social distancing and fresh air to be both physically and mentally healthy,\u201d\u00a0said Council Member Fernando Cabrera.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

“New Yorkers need to be able to exercise and shop for food, medicine and other essential items while social distancing. This legislation will allow them to do that,”\u00a0said Council Member Daniel\u00a0Dromm.\u00a0<\/strong>“My district is the epicenter of the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also one of the most densely populated districts in the city.\u00a0 The open space this legislation would provide is\u00a0absolutely crucial\u00a0to our health and\u00a0well-being. I thank Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera for their leadership and will continue to work with them to implement these public safety measures.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNew Yorkers deserve an active government that delivers more open space so they can properly social distance,”\u00a0said Council Member Costa\u00a0Constantinides.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cRight\u00a0now\u00a0it’s impossible on many of our cramped streets, which both endangers those who must go outside and discourages others from getting fresh air. New Yorkers deserved a reimagining of our streets long before the COVID-19 crisis — now their call is at a fever pitch. Thank you to Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera for pushing this legislation forward, to once again make New York City the leader on urban innovation in a time of crisis.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSince we are now certain that ‘NY Pause’ will be in effect until at least May 15th, we need to give New Yorkers who live in densely populated areas more outdoor space to get fresh air while adhering to the social distancing rules,\u201d\u00a0said<\/strong>\u00a0Council Member Ben\u00a0Kallos<\/strong>.\u00a0\u201cIt has been a tough month for New York City. However, the strict social distancing guidelines put into place have had some success in flattening the curve. If\u00a0opening up\u00a0streets and creating more spaces for outdoor activities will not hurt our progress, why are we not doing it? As temperatures rise and the days get nicer, we will need the space even more. Let’s come up with a fair plan now and put it into place as soon as possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Council Member Peter Koo stated,<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cOur parks are the only respite for New Yorkers during the\u00a0pandemic, and\u00a0opening up our streets to pedestrians will greatly supplement our open space. Opening city streets will help ensure social distancing and allow all of us the space we need to get through this difficult time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAll over the world, cities are successfully closing streets to cars, in order to help\u00a0people\u00a0get a little fresh air and sunshine. To exercise. For a kid to ride a scooter. For a quick game of catch.\u00a0So\u00a0people can practice physical distancing and stay home, without so many of the harmful health impacts of extended isolation and inaction. Too many neighborhoods lack access to outdoor space, and our parks, as wonderful as they are, are becoming crowded for those lucky enough to live nearby. The solution is literally at our doorsteps. Berlin, Paris, Montreal, Denver, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Portland, Bogota, and Oakland have all taken this common-sense action. None of them needed four police officers per block to make this program work and ensure that people observe physical distancing. Neither do we,\u201d\u00a0said Council Member Brad Lander.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs New York\u2019s PAUSE extends into May, it is of vital importance that we utilize every possible option to provide our communities with access to safe pedestrian spaces, fresh air and exercise. Many neighborhoods have limited public outdoor space and sidewalks that make social distancing impossible. As the weather warms up the requirement to shelter in place will become more difficult for many. We must act quickly to open streets for the safety and\u00a0well-being\u00a0of all New Yorkers,\u201d\u00a0said Council Member Steve Levin.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is very difficult, sometimes impossible, for New Yorkers to observe social distancing on our narrow sidewalks and in city parks crowded with people desperately trying to get out of their homes for much-needed exercises and fresh air. We are asking New Yorkers to sacrifice so much to combat this virus, the least we can do as a city is to give them room to spread out and feel safe when they must go out. The obvious solution that has been successful in other cities is to\u00a0close down\u00a0more streets to car\u00a0traffic\u00a0so pedestrians have space to be safe. I commend Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera for making this a priority and working hard to ensure New Yorkers have the room to maintain proper social distancing,\u201d\u00a0said City Council Health Committee Chair Mark Levine.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhose streets? Our streets!\u00a0Opening up\u00a0more streets for pedestrians and cyclists is a critical tool in flattening the curve all while allowing New Yorkers the physical space to travel safely and stay active. The reduction in public transportation service has forced people to cram buses, trains, and ferries. We need to make it safe and open for our neighbors to use alternative means of transportation. As a bicycle commuter and safe streets advocate, I applaud and sponsor this legislation,\u201d\u00a0said Councilmember Carlos Menchaca, District 38 and Chair of the Committee on Immigration.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to think differently regarding how we act and adapt for New Yorkers as the city manages the impact of COVID-19. Opening streets to pedestrians and cyclists will allow people to maintain social distancing, safely. There are no more rushes at rush hour — it is time we gave streets back to New Yorkers. I thank Speaker Johnson and Council\u00a0Member\u00a0Rivera for their leadership,\u201d\u00a0said Council Member Keith Powers.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe need for more open space in New York City is not new, but during the COVID19 crisis, it has become essential. During this pandemic, a walk around the block, to the local park, or even to the grocery store, has become a lifeline for the majority of our City’s residents who have had to transition to a homebound lifestyle. Speaker Johnson’s open streets legislation will give pedestrians greater space to enjoy outdoor respite while also helping folks uphold proper social distancing requirements that are necessary to help flatten the curve. I am grateful for Speaker Johnson’s understanding of how important open space is to a healthy, vibrant City, and look forward to working together to bring District 34 residents the room they deserve,\u201d\u00a0said Council Member Antonio Reynoso.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOpening streets to pedestrians and\u00a0cyclists\u00a0advances safety and equity. For transit riders, open streets mean safer passage to and from subway and bus stops. Open streets can also reduce crowding on subways and buses, enabling people with short trips to walk or cycle to their destination safely rather than pack onto public transit. At a time when we are relying on transit to move a million essential workers each day, we need to leverage\u00a0all of\u00a0our infrastructure to keep riders as safe as possible. Given the inequitable impact of the pandemic, opening streets also expands access to public space for those who need it most. The Riders Alliance applauds Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera for their leadership at this pivotal moment,\u201d\u00a0said Danny Pearlstein, Riders Alliance Policy and Communications Director.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAs New York fights and emerges from this crisis, we need to ensure that New Yorkers who must be out have the safe space they require for physical distancing,\u201d\u00a0said Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris.\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cWe are grateful to Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera for stepping up for New Yorkers by advancing\u00a0this ambitious open streets\u00a0plan. We look forward to working together to bring much needed space to every neighborhood.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong the many benefits of street openings are the lives it will save. The City’s own study showed a 40 percent reduction in pedestrian deaths, and 60 percent in injuries, after car-traffic was restricted at Times Square. Like so many these days, we also have lost loved ones. This legislation will prevent others from suffering as we do. By opening more space for\u00a0people\u00a0we reduce traffic crashes and lower the strain on our hospitals and first responders, allowing them to focus on saving the lives of people fighting the coronavirus. We are grateful for the bold leadership by Council Speaker Johnson and Council Member Rivera in advancing this life-saving legislation,\u201d\u00a0said Amy Cohen, co-founder, Families for Safe Streets.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

### <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK, NY \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member\u00a0Carlina\u00a0Rivera\u00a0will introduce\u00a0legislation to open city streets to pedestrians and cyclists during the coronavirus\/COVID-19 pandemic\u00a0to allow New Yorkers more room for social distancing. The\u00a0legislation, which has widespread Council support,\u00a0will be introduced at the Council\u2019s April 22 Stated Meeting. The bill\u00a0will\u00a0require the city\u00a0to allocate more street space to pedestrians and cyclists\u00a0in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs, with a\u00a0citywide target of 75 miles of streets.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

…<\/p>\n

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