Michael Bloomberg: Global Transportation Dynamo

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's progressive transportation advocacy isn't limited to the five boroughs. From bike lanes in Turkey to auto-rickshaws in India, his philanthropy is funding transportation and road safety projects worldwide.

1 minute read

July 15, 2013, 5:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"Though often hamstrung at home by headstrong state lawmakers, an entrenched taxi industry and a city in which even a single bike lane can inspire years of litigation, Mr. Bloomberg has found success overseas in pushing — and financing — a global transportation agenda during his final years as the mayor of New York City," reports Matt Flegenheimer.

"Since 2007, Mr. Bloomberg’s charitable foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, has committed more than $130 million toward traffic policy and road safety worldwide, outstripping donations for every cause except the reduction of tobacco use."

"As a result, traffic policy and public health experts say, Mr. Bloomberg has emerged as perhaps the world’s leading transportation force, acting as a catalyst abroad for helmets, seat belts and slower speeds at the same time that bright blue bikes and pedestrian plazas have been affixed to his local legacy."

Saturday, July 13, 2013 in The New York Times

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