Monday’s Headlines: Focus on Pedestrians Edition

We spent a lot of time this weekend nerding out on which world capitals are truly great places for pedestrians.

And New York didn’t fare so well.

A new report by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy called “Pedestrians First” [PDF] includes walkability data for 1,000 metro areas around the globe, and shows that U.S. cities are generally less walkable than those in other countries (Intelligent Transport). London, Paris, Bogota and Hong Kong top the list (The Guardian).

The most scary of the maps shows how many residents of high-density areas of New York are so far from car-free spaces (map above). Poke around the maps and tell us what you think in the comments section.

Meanwhile, in other news:

  • Remember the plastic bag ban? It starts on Monday. The Post tried to make it seem like an annoyance of the Nanny State, but Gothamist ran the obligatory picture to remind you why this is so crucial.
  • A man was struck as he tried to cross the Long Island Expressway. (NYDN)
  • Here’s a story where it’s hard to have a rooting interest: A scofflaw driver crashed his car into some cops … who then chained him to a hospital bed for a week in an alleged act of retaliation. (NY Post)
  • The Daily News did a Sunday wood on excessive wealth — then followed it up with a story about what a good story they did.
  • Can the suburbs be fixed? The Times dove into the conversation.
  • In case you missed it, The Times did a story about “loud car” culture, which follows a series of Streetsblog tweets about how freaking loudly some drivers operate their cars.

  • The robberies of delivery workers has apparently spread from Manhattan to Queens (NY Post). Curtis Sliwa called to tell us his Guardian Angels were out in force handing out fliers to alert delivery workers of the crimes. He sent over this picture:
Photo: Curtis Sliwa
Photo: Curtis Sliwa
  • “Temporary restrictions” have indefinitely knocked out ferry service in Greenpoint (NYC Ferry via Twitter). Council Member Steve Levin said he’s livid — and is on the case:

  • Rising traffic deaths during the pandemic have generally been attributed to drivers speeding on empty streets. But it may also be that the type of person who drives cautiously is staying home while the less risk-averse are out and about. (Curbed)
  • Finally, New York lost a true giant of environmental activism last week when Cecil Corbin-Mark died suddenly. He was just 51. (Patch)

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