On Grand Street, Politics Are Very Local

By
Matthew Schuerman
WNYC News | Jul 13, 2010

Mayor Bloomberg has been redefining New York’s streets as places to walk and ride bicycles, not just drive. He’s turned Times Square into a pedestrian zone, introduced traffic calming measures and added 200 miles of bike lanes in the past three years. Some New Yorkers have balked at these changes. They’ve even figured into the mayoral campaign. WNYC reporter Matthew Schuerman and producer Richard Yeh visited one bike lane to see what the fuss is about.

Photos by Richard Yeh.

The new bike lane protects riders from cars.

The new bike lane protects riders from cars.

Extra space at corners lets trucks turn.

Extra space at corners lets trucks turn.

But many bicyclists ride against traffic.

But many bicyclists ride against traffic.

The north side is reserved for deliveries.

The north side is reserved for deliveries.

Cycling has increased 60 percent.

Cycling has increased 60 percent.

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Matthew Schuerman

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