The article critiques the Secretary of Transportation's views on the recent opening of a pedestrian path on the Queensboro Bridge, calling it a misinterpretation of historical and social facts. It highlights that the South Outer Roadway was previously for pedestrians and cyclists, arguing that current car commuters tend to be wealthier. The event was celebrated by local leaders and activists who have long advocated for safer pedestrian pathways, emphasizing the need for equitable transportation that considers all users, including those who rely on walking and biking.
Only a person with a willful disregard for history, for safety and for truth would see the Adams administration's creation of dedicated space for pedestrians on the Queensboro Bridge as an attack on "hard-working Americans who have to drive to work."
New Yorkers who commute by car into the central business district are, on average, wealthier than their transit-, bike- or foot-using neighbors. That's just basic Census data.
Until the 1990s, the South Outer Roadway belonged exclusively to walkers and joggers. So, in fact, it was stolen from working-class New Yorkers and given to car drivers.
Forcing pedestrians and cyclists in both directions to share a single lane on a bridge with nine lanes for car drivers was unsafe and was discouraging people from riding a bike or walking.
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