The Research
The evidence behind pedestrian-first design — safety data, economic research, and health studies.
Safety
Redesigning streets for people dramatically reduces crashes and injuries.
Road Diets
Road diets (reducing lanes for cars) typically reduce crashes by 19–47%. The same principles apply to plaza redesigns that remove through-traffic and simplify crossings.
- FHWA Road Diet Informational Guide — Federal Highway Administration (2014)
London Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
A 2025 study of 113 London LTNs found 35% fewer injuries and 37% fewer deaths/serious injuries inside redesigned areas. When LTNs were removed, injury rates returned to pre-intervention levels. No overall increase in injuries on surrounding streets.
- Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in London reduce road traffic injuries — BMJ Injury Prevention (July 2025). DOI: 10.1136/ip-2024-045571
At Grand Army Plaza
Option B would:
- Eliminate the dangerous roadway between the Arch and the Park
- Shorten crossing distances that currently expose pedestrians to multiple lanes
- Reduce conflict points where cars, bikes, and pedestrians mix
Economic Impact
People-friendly streets are good for business.
NYC DOT Research
NYC DOT’s own research shows that streetscape improvements lead to significant retail sales gains:
- Fordham Road (Bronx): 71% increase in retail sales at locally-based businesses vs. 23% borough-wide
- 9th Avenue (Manhattan): Up to 49% increase vs. 3% borough-wide
- St. Nicholas & Amsterdam Ave: 48% increase in local retail sales
Sources:
- Measuring the Street: New Metrics for 21st Century Streets (PDF) — NYC DOT (October 2012)
- The Economic Benefits of Sustainable Streets (PDF) — NYC DOT (2013)
Times Square
What started as a temporary pedestrian experiment in 2009 became permanent after data showed it worked: fewer crashes, increased foot traffic, and business support.
- Times Square Case Study — Project for Public Spaces
Health & Environment
More space for walking means healthier communities.
Barcelona Superblocks
A health impact assessment of Barcelona’s Superblocks program projected that full implementation could prevent 667 premature deaths annually through reduced air pollution, noise, and heat, plus increased physical activity.
- Changing the urban design of cities for health: The superblock model — Environment International (January 2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105132
Seoul Cheonggyecheon
In 2005, Seoul removed an elevated highway and restored the stream underneath. Results:
- Corridor temperatures dropped 3.3–5.9°C
- Air quality improved (35% reduction in particulate matter)
-
Biodiversity increased 639%
- Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project — Landscape Performance Series
Open Streets Programs
A 2023 study of 15 Latin American cities documented health benefits from Ciclovía/Open Streets programs, which temporarily close streets to cars for recreation and exercise.
- Health benefits of Open Streets programmes in Latin America — The Lancet Planetary Health (July 2023). DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00109-2
NYC Policy & Guidance
- Vision Zero — NYC’s program to eliminate traffic deaths
- NYC Streets Plan — Five-year plan (Local Law 195/2019) for safe, accessible streets
- NYC Street Design Manual — Official guidance for plazas, bike facilities, and accessibility
- Street Design Manual (PDF) — Full downloadable version
Case Studies
Market Street, San Francisco
San Francisco’s main commercial street has been progressively removing private vehicle access since 2020. Evaluations show improved transit reliability and safety.
Partner Organizations
- Prospect Park Alliance — Stewards of Prospect Park
- Brooklyn Public Library — Central Library at Grand Army Plaza
- Transportation Alternatives — NYC streets advocacy
Official Contacts
City Council
- District 35 (Crystal Hudson): District35@council.nyc.gov
- District 39 (Shahana Hanif): District39@council.nyc.gov
Community Boards
- CB6 (Park Slope, Gowanus): bk06@cb.nyc.gov
- CB8 (Crown Heights, Prospect Heights): bk08@cb.nyc.gov
- CB9 (Crown Heights, PLG): bk09@cb.nyc.gov
NYC DOT
- Community Engagement: community@dot.nyc.gov
Support the Campaign
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