New Traffic Plan for Times Square: Does It Go Far Enough or Too Far?

A new traffic plan, emphasizing pedestrian space, is coming to Times Square. The plan includes wider sidewalks and diversion of traffic from Seventh Avenue to Broadway. "Urban visionary" Enrique Penalosa doesn't think the plan goes far enough ("New Traffic Plan In Times Square Favors Pedestrians," NY1, October 12, 2006):

some are calling for more radical solutions to traffic, among them, Enrique Penalosa, widely considered an urban visionary, who as mayor of Bogota, Colombia, revolutionized transportation there.

He says the key is getting people out of their cars, by creating quality pedestrian space.

"We have to choose between a city that is friendlier to cars, or friendlier to people," said Penalosa.

Penalosa advocates restricting car use, and cutting down on curbside parking, although he did not discuss the ramifications, like say, the impact on businesses or city revenues. Some changes, he says, could even be put to public referendum.

"In Manhattan, they close many streets for markets," said Penalosa. “But I dream of Manhattan, making Broadway pedestrian, permanently."

Among his other ideas, is recreating 42nd Street as a pedestrian corridor, with a tramway.

"We are beyond just patchwork solutions,” said Stringer. “What we really have to talk about is the overall transportation network that is on the brink of collapse."

For now, advocates of more radical change will have to settle for smaller steps, like the changes here in Times Square, which take effect November 4th, and will be evaluated by the city after six months.