If Toronto’s decision to transform one lane of Jarvis Street into two bike lanes is “a war on cars” (© opponents of the scheme), what would they call New York’s action to completely close Times Square and Herald Square to cars? A pre-emptive nuclear strike? Armageddon? The End of Days?
Oh, and the New York move has actually happened (without any discernible blip on seismic monitors, and with some unexpected consequences). The Toronto changes won’t take effect immediately – there has to be an environmental study first, and there’s no firm timeline beyond that.
What I find particularly interesting about the kerfuffle over Jarvis Street is that its most vocal opponents were residents associations in affluent neighbourhoods to the north – that is, people who use Jarvis Street mainly, if not solely, as a commuter thoroughfare, rather than as their preferred residence, or even workplace.
This raises profound questions about whose views should have pre-eminence: People whose lives revolve around the vicinity (i.e. those who live and work in the area directly affected), or those who are transient?
And what role should a city council have in creating places that are worth visiting, rather than transportation routes through those places? (some stimulating thoughts can be found here. Or have a look at Where Am I?, by Colin Ellard).
To conclude, two quotes:
“It’s good for traffic, it’s good for businesses and we think it is going to be great deal of fun.” – Janet Sadik-Khan, New York city transport commissioner, on the Times Square/Herald Square initiative.
“This council and the mayor are going to be held to account in 2010 (City Council elections.)” — Tim Costigan, Moore Park Residents Association, on the decision to think about implementing the Jarvis Street initiative.
I sure hope they will be held accountable. And I know which way I’m going to vote.
By Andrew Horberry
Andrew is Global Account Director at Imagination, a brand communications agency.
photo by Dylan Passmore
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It is difficult going back to look at this story given that this same bike lane is now potentially going to be removed. So frustrating.