ANIMAL » Department of Transportation

Pulaski Bridge Hosts Inter-Borough Art Show

Will Sherman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:15:09 +0000

Connecting Greenpoint and Long Island City across polluted Newtown Creek, the Pulaski Bridge is the site of a new public art installation. This afternoon, the Department of Transportation will officially unveil the work, a series of stenciled silhouettes and a lookout bench, built with reclaimed wood, by Joel Voisard.

The Queens-based artist painted the Pulaski’s pathway with the lower halves of walkers, cyclists and others who use the bridge, even a spray can-carrying vandal. If you don’t make the official opening for the “Bridge that Binds,” you can still see the outdoor exhibition, day or night, for however long it lasts.

Photos by Will Sherman/ANIMALnewyork.com

Car-Free Times Square

Will Sherman — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:30:32 +0000

Yesterday, the first business day after the city closed parts of Broadway to cars, traffic still flowed without the disastrous effects that cabbies and drivers ominously claimed would cripple all of Midtown. While its too early to assess the traffic impacts for the inevitable tweaks, the nascent project appears to be a success so far on the human front with more people taking a respite from crowded sidewalks in the new car-free space. |NYT|

Traffic Cleared Out of Times Square

Will Sherman — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:01:44 +0000

With temporary bollards to ward off traffic and new street furniture to entice people off the sidewalk, parts of Broadway went car-free on Sunday. New Yorkers and tourists alike filled the newly pedestrianized spaces stretching seven blocks through Times Square and Herald Square. Contrasting the overwhelming support from people enjoying the public space, critics in cars bashed the change. “I think it’s really stupid. It’s going to mess up all the traffic in midtown,” one cabbie claimed. Janett Sadik-Khan, New York City’s transportation commissioner, noted that while “it’s an important first step to ease traffic and sidewalk congestion and create safe, attractive spaces that are good for business … it’s a work in progress,” that may see tweaking after the initial adjustment period.

Times Square Is Becoming More Tolerable

Will Sherman — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:23:32 +0000

Back in February, New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan unveiled plans to pedestrianize large swaths of Broadway. These new car-free spaces in Times Square and Herald Square are expected to not only give people more safe public space to enjoy, but move motor vehicle traffic more efficiently too—that’s the plan at least.

In Midtown, where the pro-pedestrian plazas and other street improvements are taking place, Broadway cuts across the street grid and creates extra traffic congestion. Getting rid of these pinch points and keeping drivers on the adjacent avenues will actually mean less travel time for everyone.

Although the entire transformation will take some time, Streetsblog points out some big changes happening this weekend: DOT and the Times Square Alliance will be diverting traffic and setting up a Memorial Day barbecue and movie screening at the crossroads of the world.

May Is Bike Month

Will Sherman — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:33:47 +0000

Today begins Bike Month NYC, a month-long celebration of riding bikes in the city. Sponsored by Transportation Alternatives with the help of the Department of Transportation, the 19th annual event features parties, rides, races, and classes for all types of bike riders. We’ve pulled a handful noteworthy events after the jump, but check the calendar for the full kist of happenings.

3rd War Block Party – Sunday, May 3 – 2 PM to 8 PM
“We’ve taken over Stagg street for a day of mayhem. Compete in a drag race, bring a t-shirt for live screenprinting, take a workshop, or just come for the fun.”

5 Boro Bike Tour – Sunday, May 3
This 30,000 person, 42-mile bike ride through all five boroughs, even Swine Flu-free Staten Island, is sold out. However, you can still score a registration on Craigslist.

DOT Commuter Rides – May 4, 5, 11, 12 – AM
Throughout the month, these morning group rides, from Brooklyn to Midtown Manhattan and back at night, offer bike-curious commuters a safer, more comfortable chance to start.

5th Annual Bicycle Fetish Day – May 9 – 12 to 6 PM
“A block party for your bicycle!” Celebrate with bike events such as “awards and celebrations of bicycle culture, bike artwork, bicycle rides, and bicycle beautification stations to spiff up your wheels. … Afterparty at the City Reliquary’s spacious backyard to follow.”

National Bike to Work Day in New York City – Friday, May 15 – AM
“In appreciation of NYC bike commuters please join T.A. at any one of the East River Bridges or City Hall Park or Madison Square Park.”

Bike to Bottle Beach! – Saturday, May 16th – 1:30 to 5 PM
Start at The City Reliquary at 370 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg for “a fun, free, leisurely and historical bicycle ride from North to South Brooklyn and back. Travel along America’s first urban bicycle lane, traverse various “deep Brooklyn ‘hoods” and end at Dead Horse Bay, aka Bottle Beach. After a rest, we’ll return the way we came. End at the City Reliquary for a beer and pizza party. About 20 miles round trip. Bring shoes you can get dirty.”

Bike Night at Brooklyn Brewery – Wednesday, May 20 – 6 PM
“Join Braking the Cycle (The AIDS Ride from Boston to NYC benefiting the Center’s HIV/AIDS Services)” for “live entertainment, games, contests and $1 Brooklyn drafts” at the Brewery.

Commuter Race – May 21 – AM
“8th annual New York City Commuter Race between the Automobile, Subway and Bicycle. Call it crazy but yes the bicycle has won the past 7 years.” Our money is on the bicycle winning again.

Brooklyn Bike Jumble – May 31
The first Brooklyn Bicycle Jumble, “New York’s only outdoor bicycle flea market,” will offer bikes, bike parts and clothing from a variety of private vendors.