Seeking Subway [Cycling] [Striding] Sam
Gridlock Sam Schwartz took issue with our calling his space in the Daily News a "column for motorists moaning" in coverage of NYC Transportation Commissioner Chris Lynn's plan to open the West 27th Street pedestrian way at the Fashion Institute of Technology to car traffic. A letter to Sam's column -- and Sam's agreement to contact Lynn about it -- was reportedly the impetus for the step. Sam told us his responses in print are consistently pro-pedestrian, pro-bike and pro-transit, and that he was outspoken in defense of the Queensboro Bridge bike lane when Lynn ousted cyclists and walkers last year. We appreciate Sam's QB Bridge and other advocacy, but after getting his note, couldn't help thinking about....
Things We'd Like to See in Gridlock Sam
Bring back subway service change announcements (News readers sure ride the trains). Occasional missives on comparative travel times and costs (including parking) of different travel modes in NYC. Comparative subway line performance results (Why give NY1 all the glory?). A count of speed limit signs in Manhattan. Running tallies of serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Better yet...
Dear Gridlock Sam:
I'm frequently stuck on the Brooklyn Bridge on my drive to the West Side Highway. Murray Street east of Broadway has been closed to traffic forever, but for what? The bridge is all stopped up by turns and lights at the Manhattan end. Why not make Murray a cross-town express from the bridge to the west side?
-- Roadhog
Dear Roadhog:
You're right. Murray between Broadway and Park Row is just more valuable road space wasted on pedestrians. They've said they were going to fix it up for years, but that's just talk to cover subsidized parking for part-time City workers. What do those people do anyway? --Sam
Tomorrow: Beat FDR congestion with Sam's Gracie Mansion lawn dodge.
