Commissioner Sadik-Khan’s presentation provided valuable insight on the long process she had to go through in order to shape the city we are so familiar with today. The pedestrian plaza in Times Square and the protected bike lanes, for instance, were great efforts to reduce traffic crashes (not accidents, an important distinction she made). I also liked her approach to using materials they already had and testing out these car-free areas on a temporary basis before making them permanent; it was a great financial strategy and great example of how we can enact change in the city without spending frivolously. I appreciated her people-first attitude and her transparency in the decision-making process and backlash she faced for her initiatives.

I wonder, though, if continued expansion of these lanes, such as her proposed mobility lane for electric vehicles, is a format that will work in New York. Copenhagen, one of the cities Sadik-Khan drew inspiration from, is much less densely populated than New York. I visited Copenhagen in December 2023 and remember being impressed by the bike, pedestrian, and car-friendly layout, but I also remember the roads being much wider, allowing for 2-4 lanes of cars in addition to the bike lanes and sidewalks. It is definitely something to seek to emulate, but I think it’s important to remember our differences, too. I admire her courage to try and her resilience throughout the backlash she received for her proposals.

Additionally, I was struck by the pedestrian plazas and the painted street areas that she mentioned. These places helped reduce congestion because they became more accessible to more people. I’m skeptical that congestion pricing will have the same effect. These plazas work because they are seeking to bring more people in, not keep people out. While congestion pricing may make the areas more accessible to pedestrians, I wonder if the inequities surrounding the policy will actually keep more people out.

Overall, Commissioner Sadik-Khan was very friendly and candid, which made for a great interview. I feel like I have a better understanding of the policy process in the transportation world and the types of factors that influence these policies.