| Releases & Statements
Everyone loves a shortcut. One of
the best known shortcuts is in Central Park’s Loop Drive,
where for far too long cars have been allowed to cut through the
park to get uptown or downtown. But in this case, a shortcut for
some has become a nuisance and hazard for many more. That is why
I support Transportation Alternatives and any others in calling
for a trial period closure of traffic in the loop.
As New York City Public Advocate and
former Parks Commissioner, I believe it is important that the
City works toward making Central Park free of cars, with the exemption
being the four crossings used by City buses and others. I am glad
to be part of the very impressive grassroots coalition of organizations,
citizens, and elected officials united behind this effort. If
a trial closure to vehicles in the loop proves successful and
does not have an adverse impact on the neighboring community,
the City should then move forward with a permanent ban on loop
traffic.
Central Park is a venue for recreation
and relaxation. It is not a parkway. Nothing is more out of character
with Central Park’s purpose than to have vehicular traffic
in the loop during weekdays. Noisy, exhaust-releasing, and potentially
dangerous vehicles being driven around the park simply do not
mix with New Yorkers jogging, biking or taking a stroll around
the acreage of the Park. And let’s not forget about the
people living along the park. To make sure these residents’
interests are protected, any policy set forth to eliminate driving
in the loop must include safeguards against traffic congestion
on neighboring streets.
I applaud Paul Steely White and Transportation
Alternatives for the work they are doing on this issue by laying
out a common sense strategy to address the matter. Over the years
there have been well-received extensions of car-free hours in
the park, so a trial closure is the best way to move forward.
With the many voices gathered at today’s
rally, and the hundreds of thousands more who support this movement,
I call on the City to close the loop to vehicular traffic for
a trial period.
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