New York’s embattled Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, got a big thank you on the steps of City Hall today, reports our Adam Lisberg:
Three dozen supporters said the numbers show Sadik-Khan has made New York a better and safer place to get around, despite anger from drivers who don’t want to give up space for cars.
“There is a fear of change, and that’s understandable,” said Kate Slevin, head of the
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
. “But we’re here to say that we like the changes that are in place, and the city is safer for everyone because of them.”
Bike commuting has doubled in NYC since Sadik-Khan took over, new bus-only lanes have improved speeds by 20% and the number of people killed by cars has plunged, fans said.
Sadik-Khan has become a controversial figure in Mayor Bloomberg’s administration by closing Times Square to cars, installing special bike lanes on crowded streets and proposing to shut part of 34th St. to cars.
Those changes — plus Sadik-Khan’s uncompromising style — has drawn outrage from drivers and some politicians.
“When a small number of very loud voices are shouting to turn back the clock, it’s important to remember the streets are safer now than at any point in the last 100 years,” said Rich Kassel of the
Natural Resources Defense Council
.
While Bloomberg still has full confidence in Sadik-Khan, one high-ranking insider said, the mayor has admitted the city didn’t listen enough to opponents
while expanding the bike lane network
.
“What kind of city do we want New York to be? Will we be a city that looks to the future … or will we be a city that stays stuck in the past?” asked Dan Hendrick of the
New York League of Conservation Voters
. “All the mayoral candidates should be thinking now about their answer to that question. What kind of New York do they want to see?”
