Street safety advocates in Astoria gathered on a Monday night to discuss the implementation of low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) in New York City. The meeting, hosted by Open Plans, focused on the potential for western Queens to lead the city in adopting these car-light concepts.
The effort aligns with the goals of Mayor Mamdani, who represented Astoria in the state Assembly before moving to Gracie Mansion. Mamdani has previously promised to transform New York’s streets into the “envy of the world.”
Understanding Low-Traffic Neighborhoods
LTNs are urban design strategies already utilized in cities such as Barcelona and London. They employ a variety of tools, including bollards, signage, gates and modal filters, to discourage internal car traffic.
The primary goal is to divert private vehicles away from quiet residential blocks and toward peripheral roadways. This system encourages walking and cycling while still maintaining essential local access.
Lessons from the London Model
London has been redesigning its street networks since the 1970s, with efforts accelerating during the Covid-19 pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, London Mayor Sadiq Khan rolled out approximately 100 LTNs across the capital.
These redesigns block most through-traffic but allow access for emergency vehicles, buses, commercial deliveries, and local residents who use a residential parking permit system. This shift has freed up space for safer biking and walking and increased bus speeds.
London also introduced secure bike parking “hangars” as a result of this reclaimed space, an innovation Mayor Mamdani is reportedly eager to replicate in New York City.
Why Western Queens is the Primary Target
Advocates argue that western Queens is the ideal starting point due to existing street safety projects. These include the 31st Avenue bike boulevard in Astoria and the linear park on 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights.
John Surico, chair of the 31st Avenue Open Street Collective, suggested that LTN designs could “level up” these existing projects by adding pedestrian infrastructure and calming cut-through traffic.
Jim Burke, co-founder of the 34th Avenue open street, noted that the city could redesign side streets around that corridor to divert drivers who use them as shortcuts from Roosevelt Avenue to Northern and Astoria Boulevards.
Expanding the Vision Across the City
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has already implemented similar redesigns in other areas. In 2021, bike boulevards were debuted on 39th Avenue in Sunnyside using alternating traffic patterns.
In Brooklyn, the DOT revamped Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights and Berry Street in Williamsburg under the Adams administration. Under Mayor Mamdani, the agency will install bike boulevards on Bergen and Dean Streets to link East New York to Brooklyn Heights.
The momentum is not limited to Queens; a Manhattan community board recently requested that the DOT pilot an LTN on the Upper West Side.
Official Response and Future Outlook
The DOT has not confirmed whether it is actively looking to establish official low-traffic neighborhoods. Agency spokesperson Mona Bruno stated that the department looks forward to reviewing community requests and appreciates support for projects in western Queens.
If adopted, LTNs could be implemented relatively quickly, as advocates like Jim Burke suggest the DOT already possesses the necessary tools in its “toolkit.” Future efforts may focus on high-priority areas, such as streets adjacent to schools, to increase political feasibility and child safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools are used to create a low-traffic neighborhood?
LTNs use a suite of tools including modal filters, signage, bollards, and gates to discourage internal car traffic while encouraging cycling and walking.
Which Queens projects are considered foundations for LTNs?
Key projects include the 31st Avenue bike boulevard in Astoria, the 34th Avenue linear park in Jackson Heights, and the 39th Avenue bike boulevards in Sunnyside.
What evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of LTNs?
Empirical studies of LTNs in London indicate that they were popular among users, helped reduce deaths, and lowered air pollution.
Do you think diverting through-traffic to peripheral roads is the right approach for improving residential safety in your neighborhood?
