Here’s a really interesting video on the history of transport issues in New York City. What’s quite fascinating about New York is the fact that, despite an extremely extensive public transport network and the kind of densities that work so well with that transport system, the city has spent much of the last 50 years trying to destroy itself to make life easier for cars to get around. Fortunately that’s now changing.
Produced in 2006 as part of the New York City Streets Renaissance Campaign, Contested Streets explores the history and culture of New York City streets from pre-automobile times to present. This examination allows for an understanding of how the city — though the most well served by mass transit in the United States — has slowly relinquished what was a rich, multi-dimensional conception of the street as a public space to a mindset that prioritizes the rapid movement of cars and trucks over all other functions.
Central to the story is a comparison of New York to what is experienced in London, Paris and Copenhagen. Interviews and footage shot in these cities showcase how limiting automobile use is in recent years has improved air quality, minimized noise pollution and enriched commercial, recreational and community interaction. London’s congestion pricing scheme, Paris’ BRT and Copenhagen’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are all examined in depth. New York City, though to many the most vibrant and dynamic city on Earth, still has lessons to learn from Old Europe.
Some interesting parallels to Auckland’s 20th century transport history.
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It is interesting but the modern NY perspective is a bit dated now — I see the film comes from 2006 so many of the interviews are probably 2005 or so. Since then, there have been huge improvements in Times Square, a pretty good system of cycle lanes put in place on the avenues and streets, a real investment in the buses and construction is well underway on the 2nd ave subway line. Anyone would think that planners in NY have been watching films like this….
Yes New York has certainly begun the process of improving its pedestrian spaces in the past five years. So has Auckland, to an extent.
We both have a long way to go though.
I guess you may have seen this, what with your posts on density and New York?
http://www.infrastructurist.com/2011/07/22/if-the-world-lived-like-new-yorkers-wed-all-fit-into-texas/
Interesting spin on world population.