As the debate over new bike lanes pits New Yorkers against each other, people should refocus on the economic benefits the lanes can provide, argues Richard Florida.
"[L]et's get past the culture wars and face some economic facts.
Like it or not, New York has become a haven for creative class professionals - who also happen to do freelance writing, filmmaking, software developing and a whole host of other important jobs. It needs them to maintain its competitive edge in a host of fields from finance to publishing and digital media. They don't give up their lifestyle preferences as they age. They don't stop bicycling or running, for instance, just because they have children. When they put their kids in child seats or jogging strollers, traffic-free bike paths become especially important to them."
Building bike lanes, Florida argues, is an easy way to lure the creative types that help fuel the modern economy in cities.
FULL STORY: Bike lane critics are wrong: Why New York needs to make way for cyclists
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
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German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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