New York wins international award for sustainable transport

An ICLEI member and participant in Cities for Climate Protection, New York is the first US city to win this prestigious award.

The 5th annual Sustainable Transport Award recognises cities that have adopted innovative transport strategies to combat climate change and air pollution. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability was one of the organisations on the selection committee. Other finalists included Beijing, Istanbul, Mexico City and Milan.

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. Bike ridership increased by 35 per cent from the past year, thanks to protected on-street bike lanes.

The city also 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.

"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.

"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."

Photo: Kyle Gradinger, courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons. New York City's new, physically-separated 9th Avenue bicycle lane safely and comfortably accommodates two cyclists side by side.

Related links:

• ICLEI-USA
• The Earth Times – Press release
  
• Sun Herald – news item