New York City Wins the 2009 Sustainable Transport Award

January 29, 2009

New York City,U.S.A. has demonstrated that political will, bold leadership and citizen engagement can lead to sweeping transportation reforms. In 2008, the city implemented key parts of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's long-term sustainability vision, PlaNYC 2030. The laudable changes made throughout 2008 have reshaped the experience of walking onNew York City streets. The city has embraced biking and walking as investment-worthy transportation alternatives, while the traditional car-oriented mobility model is taking a back-seat.

"For a mega-city to embark on an EcoMobility agenda requires courage," said Konrad Otto-Zimmermann, selection committee member and Secretary General of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability based in Toronto, Canada. "New York must be congratulated for both courage and drive, and I am sure it will take the well deserved Award as an incentive to do even more."

In 2008,New York City took 49 acres of road space, traffic lanes and parking spots away from cars and gave it back to the public for bike lanes, pedestrian areas and public plazas. Protected on-street bike lanes were part of the 140 miles (255 kilometers) of bike lanes implemented. Bike ridership increased by 35 percent from the past year. The city planted more than 98,000 trees, implemented a select bus service and introduced car-free Saturdays. The NYC Department of Transportation recycles 40 percent of the asphalt used to repair streets.

The other award finalists, Beijing, Istanbul, Mexico City and Milan, will receive honorable mentions.

More information

Institute for Transport and Development Policy - Official Announcement

ICLEI EcoMobility Initiative