Since we weren't able to connect in person but still are committed to mobilizing New Yorkers behind our movement for safer, more equitable, and more sustainable bridges, we hosted a virtual Friendbank! event.
At the event, we talked about the goals of the campaign and shared the #Bridges4People petition with other New Yorkers we're connected to - our family, friends, Facebook friends, and coworkers.
The Bronx TA activist committee started Hallowheel in 2016, and we need better infrastructure to connect all 5 boroughs now!
Each borough hosted a distanced costumed ride across some of our city bridges. During the rides, we shared scary stories about the lack of safe biking infrastructure and history around the bridges. The rides converged at Gracie Mansion for a distanced costume contest and rally, complete with candy prizes for the best costumes from every boo-rough and...the mayor and DoT.
The Bronx Hallowheel ride stopped at the High Bridge for scary stories. The High Bridge connects Manhattan and the Bronx and is NYC's oldest standing bridge.
Costumes inspired by the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Verrazzano-Narrows, and Queensboro Bridges!
NYC Council Member Brad Lander came to the rally dressed as a magician to say that change is possible but it won't happen magically.
TA Executive Director Danny Harris notes that people came to the Hallowheel rally outside the mayor's house because people don't feel safe outside their house on their own streets.
#Bridges4People supporters crossed all three of the bridges that connect Manhattan and Brooklyn on foot to show Mayor de Blasio that our East River bridges should prioritize people over cars.
Based on TA's 5 Boro Pizza Challenge but mindful of social distancing, we headed to five food establishments near the bridges to enjoy great food, explore the neighborhoods, and send a message to de Blasio that we need more space for pedestrians and cyclists on our bridges.
Check out some of our #Bridges2Food adventures on on Twitter!
Our campaign kicked off with a launch rally at the parklet near the Brooklyn-side bike entrance to the Manhattan Bridge! A variety of speakers discussed why we need #Bridges4People.
Vanessa Barrios, Senior Associate, State Programs & Advocacy at the Regional Plan Association
NYC Council Member Antonio Reynoso
NYC People's Bike Mayor Courtney Williams
NYC Council Member Stephen Levin
NY Assembly Member Harvey Epstein
TA Brooklyn Activist Committee Co-chair Katherine Willis
The #Bridges4People Campaign is a project of the Transportation Alternatives Brooklyn, North Brooklyn, and Manhattan Activist committees.
The #Bridges4People Campaign is supported by your donations, and your contribution will go directly towards our effort to create bridges for people. Donate now.
