A new car-free zone makes sense for a community that prides itself as a retreat from all that ails the city. Roosevelt Island is already a quiet space amid the noise, but it can always be greener. Here’s one idea.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Proposal: The Car-Free Zone for Roosevelt Island
Recent activism by RIOC, designing new signage leading to a fuller engagement with the community, plus ideas circulated by board member Ben Fhala reminds us that Roosevelt Island is ripe for change.
While Fhala will unveil his creative idea for encouraging foot traffic north from the Tram Plaza later today, we’re sharing our idea for recharging this public space for community consideration.
We’re proposing a car-free zone stretching north from the Roosevelt Island Tram Plaza to Blackwell Circle along West Main Street. While there are drawbacks, the logic for increasing community space rests on this being a roadway already duplicated a couple of hundred feet away.
We’ll go into more detail below, but we see two problems with this plan:
- Loss of revenue and parking spaces. RIOC collects fees from metered spaces and fines from those who haven’t paid.
- As resident RIOC board member Lydia Tang explains, this subtracts from the ease of access to and from the subway, especially for people with disabilities.
Neither seems insurmountable, given the overall advantages.
On the plus side…
“I love this idea of creating a car-free zone from the Tram to the Blackwell House circle,” said Island House resident Paul Krikler. “That would a create a people-friendly space and one that would bolster the calm and peace on Roosevelt Island”
We’d be remiss if we didn’t note that our plan eliminates the New York State Shelton J. Haynes Parking Area.
As Roosevelt Island grows as a tourist destination, we can offer more than Tram rides, cherry blossoms, Cornell Tech and Four Freedoms Park. Tantalizing as those attractions are, too many visitors – and locals – miss the historic richness all along Main Street.
Historic markers at Blackwell House and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd await, and the Island of Art concept’s roots extend all the way to Lighthouse Park.
A string of eateries offer a range of dining options and cuisines. Let them eat indoors or outdoors – from traditional American fare to Mexican and Korean with plenty of stops in-between.
But the most important thing is going away from cars. The vast majority of Roosevelt Islanders don’t own cars, yet a vast amount of space is given over to them. Give fresher air a chance. More parking leads to more cars, and more cars lead to accidents, noise and bad air. This is not what we want.
Now, let’s get into some depth…
A Breath of Fresh Air: Advantages and Emerging Car-Free Zones in Cities
Traffic congestion, air pollution, and the dominance of cars in urban spaces are pushing cities towards a new vision – car-free zones. These designated areas prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation, offering a multitude of advantages for both residents and the environment.
Advantages of Car-Free Zones:
- Improved Public Health: By reducing car traffic, car-free zones lead to cleaner air, with lower levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. This translates to a decrease in respiratory illnesses and improved overall public health.
- Enhanced Safety: With fewer cars on the road, car-free zones create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. This is especially beneficial for children and older adults who may be more vulnerable to traffic accidents.
- Increased Vibrancy and Livability: Car-free zones encourage walking and cycling, promoting a more active lifestyle for residents. These areas often become more vibrant public spaces, with cafes, street performers, and community events attracting people to enjoy the outdoors.
- Boosted Economic Activity: Studies suggest that car-free zones can actually benefit local businesses. Reduced traffic congestion allows for easier access to shops and restaurants, while a focus on pedestrians fosters a more pedestrian-friendly shopping experience.
- Reclaimed Urban Space: Cars take up a significant amount of space in cities. Removing them frees up valuable real estate that can be transformed into green spaces, parks, plazas, or even bike lanes, further enhancing the overall livability of the city.
The Rise of Car-Free Zones:
Cities around the world are increasingly exploring car-free zones. Here are some notable examples:
- Oslo, Norway: Pioneered car-free zones in the city center, leading to a significant reduction in air pollution and noise levels.
- Melbourne, Australia: Established car-free zones around major shopping districts, promoting pedestrian activity and boosting local businesses.
- Paris, France: Implemented “Paris Respire” days, closing major roads to car traffic, encouraging residents to use alternative modes of transportation.
- New York City, USA: Pedestrianized areas like Times Square showcase the potential of car-free zones for creating vibrant public spaces.
Challenges and Considerations:
While car-free zones offer numerous advantages, there are also challenges to consider:
- Accessibility for Residents: Ensuring adequate public transportation options and accessible parking outside car-free zones is crucial, particularly for residents who rely on cars for essential needs.
- Delivery and Service Access: Strategies need to be developed to allow for deliveries and essential services to function efficiently.
- Public Perception: Shifting mindsets away from car dependence can be a challenge. Effective communication and public engagement are key to promoting the benefits of car-free zones.
The Future for Cities:
Car-free zones represent a growing trend in urban planning. As cities grapple with environmental concerns, public health, and creating more livable spaces, car-free zones present a compelling solution. By addressing the challenges and implementing these initiatives strategically, cities can create a future that prioritizes people and a healthier environment.
I Take the Tram Because I Have To
There are people on this Island you learn to recognize long before you ever learn their names. Like the real estate man with the blue goatee, the one whose name I keep forgetting, though I could pick him out of a lineup any time of day.
How car free?
No parking?
No parking + no access for picking up or dropping off people, large packages?
No parking + no access for picking up or dropping off people, large packages + no deliveries?
No parking + no access for picking up or dropping off people, large packages + no deliveries + no Red bus?
No parking + no access for picking up or dropping off people, large packages + no deliveries + no Red bus + no MTA bus?
I’m all for eliminating street parking but nothing more .
Thanks, Livia. In short.
Yes, no parking. Period.
This section Main Street does not front any residents, so there is no reason for picking people up, dropping them off or large packages. None the building entrances are impacted.
See above. Of course, no deliveries.
Yes, no Red Bus, but they run about a hundred feet away on East Main. No major change, just a short walk.
Same for MTA buses.
The short walk necessary for free Red Buses or MTA buses is far less than what any other neighborhood in New York City is expected to do. A small sacrifice in favor of a cleaner, greener environment is well worth the one minute walk.
Thanks.