“It’s about creating a city that is for its inhabitants rather than for private vehicles”

New York has decided to strike a blow against the automobile reign: 1.7 billion dollars will be devoted to the creation in particular of 400 kilometers of protected cycle paths, over five years. Objective: to curb particularly high mortality among cyclists. “We are living through a difficult time, extraordinarily painful weeks”, admitted the mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, a few weeks ago. Twenty-five cyclists have indeed been killed since the beginning of the year, unheard of for two decades. “It must stop and today we are taking one more step to prevent, finally, that from happening again”, announced the chosen one.

New York is a city where the car is king. Bike paths are too few and far between, often congested and unsafe. Aaron crosses the East River every day by bike to work in Union Square. You have to stay focused, he says.

I love it, it’s exciting but it’s risky indeed. I took a car door recently.

Aaron, a New York cyclist

to franceinfo

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“Yes, it’s very dangerous, agrees Aaron. But I have a horn, lights, a rearview mirror… It’s a shame that there are so many big cars on the road. They should at least be taxed. “

Helmets or flashing lights… This type of equipment, John, his arm in a splint after a recent fall, sells more and more. He runs the NYC Velo store in Manhattan. “It is our role that people are well equipped. Many are worried about their safety, want to avoid contact with motorists because cycling, alone, is rather safe.” John dreams of a different city, “it is about creating a city which is for its inhabitants rather than for private vehicles.”

For the 800,000 New Yorkers who cycle regularly, the plan unveiled by the city is excellent news. Danny Harris is the head of Transportation Alternatives which campaigns to end the control of the car in the public space. “Our world is addicted to cars. New York won’t be the same after this law. It’s not just money. It’s New York that puts its residents first over cars. it’s not about bikes, it’s not about buses. It’s about New Yorkers and their opportunities. “

The roadway is not extendable, motorists will have to be right. Between this plan and the congestion charge announced for 2021, driving in New York will become even more complicated.