Episode Details

Sheryl McCarthy talks with transportation expert Nicole Gelinas about the ongoing struggle between car dominance and mass transit in New York City. Gelinas explains in her book Movement that New York City’s historical preference for car infrastructure over mass transit is not solely due to Robert Moses, but rather the result of a broader network of city officials, business leaders, journalists, and public opinion. This mindset began in the early 20th century, with city planners redesigning the city to accommodate cars in an attempt to compete with suburban sprawl. However, this led to more traffic, as building more roads only attracted more cars.

Gelinas highlights the Cross Bronx Expressway as a prime example, where the project displaced thousands and disrupted communities, though it was part of a broader regional plan that predated Moses' influence. A key turning point came with grassroots activism, such as the successful fight in the 1950s led by Shirley Hayes to prevent Robert Moses from widening the road through Washington Square Park. This movement showed the power of targeting elected officials rather than Moses directly. Gelinas argues that successful activism, like that of Jane Jacobs, was about building broad coalitions to shift the focus from car-centric development to mass transit.

The conversation also covers the impact of recent activism in New York, particularly regarding the rise of bike lanes, bike-share programs, and mass transit. The subway system has been critical in reducing car congestion, though ridership has declined post-COVID due to factors like remote work and safety concerns. The discussion suggests that a regional approach to mass transit, with easier connections between boroughs, could help further reduce car use and boost subway ridership.

Overall, the conversation reflects the long, ongoing struggle to reduce car dominance in New York City. Activist movements over the decades have reshaped the city's transportation policies, creating a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly environment, though challenges remain in balancing different transportation needs and improving the mass transit system.

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