A group of more than 80 non-profit and advocacy groups is calling on the next mayor, city council and borough presidents to commit to converting 25 percent of street space used by motor vehicles, to space that can be used by everyone else.
They’re calling it the 25 by 25 challenge—convert 25 percent of the roadway now used by vehicles to bike lanes, bike parking, and open streets by the year 2025.
The group Transportation Alternatives, which drafted the plan, says with COVID changing how people get around and use the streets, this is a watershed moment. It says the city should expand the Open Streets program, and create car-free streets in front of every public school.
The mayoral candidates will have their first chance to respond to the proposal at a forum on Monday night hosted by Bike New York.