Street Fight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution

Booked on Planning

In a follow up to Bicycle City, we discuss an older, but no less relevant book--Street Fight by Janette Sadik-Khan. The title may be misleading for those in the planning profession, but it truly is the story of a fight over space in the streets. Space for not only cars, but pedestrians and bicyclists too. So many years were devoted to building six lane in town "highways" that our cities have become inhospitable places for individuals that either have to or choose to walk or bike to get around. While working as the Transportation Commissioner in New York City, Janette changed the way not only New Yorkers, but cities across the U.S. thought about who our streets should be designed for.
The poster child for turning space back over to pedestrians covered in this episode and the book is Times Square's transformation from congested roads to people-first spaces. It wasn't just about adding lawn chairs—it was a statement, a proof of concept that has since spurred economic growth and improved quality of life. Dive into the heart of urban revolution with us, where advocacy meets action, leadership strides forward, and the role of planners in political realms is not just envisioned but enacted.
Show Notes:

• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/4c2KnQU or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

Episode Artwork via Curbed New York

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1. Urban Transportation Planning and Implementation (00:00:00)

2. Urban Revolution (00:08:29)