• Facts don't support the ‘density is dangerous’ narrative

    Ultimately, this crisis will highlight how much we need to come together in the real world, and cities are a big part of that.
    Over the last two weeks there’s been a lot of speculation that cities are more dangerous places during the coronavirus pandemic—and some have concluded that cities will change and suburbs will become more popular to make communities safer in the years to come. New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo said...Read more

  • Aging population needs walkable, bikeable cities

    Seniors have the most to gain from pedestrian and cycling improvements—yet they often feel threatened by changes that provide alternatives to driving. Here are ways to include seniors in active transportation planning.
    The first time someone accused me of being “ableist” I was shocked. I was advocating ways to make downtown more walkable, including pedestrianizing some streets. I view walkability as a means to provide access for all abilities. Yet here someone was telling me, “not everyone can walk, you know.” I’...Read more

  • Safe streets and the fire service conflict

    It’s time for the fire service to become an active partner in overall public safety.
    On a warm day in 1971, I was on my way to the local bodega near my home on 79 th Street in New York City when I saw a ladder truck stopped next to the store. A few of the fire fighters were hanging around with sour looks on their faces. The radio was squawking away and they were listening intently...Read more
  • Grenfell Tower in London

    How (lack of) streets contributed to the London tower tragedy

    There are no adjacent streets, and fire engines had a difficult time reaching the building. It wasn't always this way.
    Did anyone notice how virtually all of the news images and videos of the recent fire disaster at Grenfell Tower in London were shot from some distance or from the air? There were no views from adjacent streets. This wasn’t just because of public-safety reasons, but something more fundamental: There...Read more