1. CURB EXTENSIONS
Make intersection sidewalks wider so walking is safer and more pleasant
Intersections are usually the busiest part of the sidewalk. People wait to cross the road, vendors sell their wares and trash cans, traffic lights and newspaper boxes compete for space. Throughout New York cars typically park on both sides of the street and turning vehicles stay towards the center of the road to avoid them. This makes large sections of the road virtually redundant, right where it would most benefit pedestrians.
Extending the sidewalk is possible at the vast majority of New York’s intersections. Doing so would make walking within the city much more pleasant by relieving pedestrian congestion and reducing the distance required to cross roads. Walking would also be safer as people waiting at the edge of the sidewalk would have improved sightlines and be more visible to drivers.
If a curb extension is long enough, potentially through the removal of one or more parking spaces, room for benches, trees and other vegetation can also be created making for more attractive and social streets.