Fifth Avenue’s Future: Reclaiming a Pedestrian Paradise in Manhattan
On April 22, 1970, a bold experiment transformed New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue into a pedestrian haven. Mayor John Lindsay closed the grand boulevard to traffic, and an estimated one million people reveled in the car-free space, prompting The New York Times to declare the “Mood is Joyful…Huge light-hearted throngs ambled down auto-less streets…” Now, as the city embarks on a major reconstruction project, a renewed vision is emerging: to restore pedestrians to their rightful place at the heart of Fifth Avenue.
For over half a century, Fifth Avenue has intermittently experienced closures – more than 600 times, by one count. These temporary pedestrian zones, created for 11 annual parades, Christmas celebrations, demonstrations, and events near Trump Tower, demonstrate the city’s capacity to accommodate car-free experiences. Indeed, the avenue has “somehow survived all these closings,” as one observer noted.
However, the current configuration represents a significant departure from its historical roots. During New York’s “Golden Age” (1870-1910), Fifth Avenue boasted 30-foot-wide sidewalks, framing a boulevard celebrated for its elegance and accessibility. But in 1909, a decision was made to prioritize vehicular traffic, narrowing sidewalks by nearly eight feet to accommodate two additional lanes of traffic. The Times subsequently hailed the avenue as the city’s “Greatest Driveway.”
The planned reconstruction offers an opportunity to rectify this past misstep. While the city’s plan remains a work in progress – with input from stakeholders like the Fifth Avenue Association, where a former traffic commissioner contributed to an early iteration – the direction is clear: wider sidewalks. Current Department of Transportation statistics reveal that 70% of Fifth Avenue’s users are pedestrians, 20% utilize buses, and only 10% travel by car or taxi (trucks are prohibited). This data underscores the existing demand for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Balancing the needs of different user groups presents a challenge. Cyclists advocate for dedicated lanes, while store owners prioritize convenient automobile access for their customers. However, as one source wryly observed, echoing the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want, but you can get what you need.” Given the limited space, prioritizing pedestrians is paramount.
To that end, a comprehensive plan is needed. The core principle, according to a leading voice in the debate, is “pedestrians first.” This translates to a full restoration of sidewalks, coupled with safety enhancements like raised crosswalks, narrower lanes to reduce vehicle speeds, and a reduced speed limit of 15 mph enforced through optimized signal timing. Given that the average daytime speed on Midtown Fifth Avenue is already below 10 mph, the impact on vehicular mobility would be minimal. Furthermore, the relocation of “deadheading” buses – those operating without passengers – and a potential redistribution of express bus lines could further optimize traffic flow.
Addressing the needs of cyclists requires a nuanced approach. Standard bike lanes, with dedicated turn phases, would necessitate further reductions in sidewalk width or a complete ban on cars. However, a viable alternative exists: allowing cyclists to “take” the slow-moving lanes by riding in their center, facilitated by thoughtful design treatments.
The reconstruction, slated for completion in the early 2030s, should be designed to endure for another century, mirroring the longevity of the 1909 plan. Imagining Midtown Manhattan in 2050 or 2100, it’s clear that a car-centric future is unlikely. This vision was reinforced during a meeting eight years ago, hosted by Amazon’s H.B. Siegel, where transportation innovators explored the future of urban mobility. Concepts like autonomous taxis, flying vehicles, and futuristic transit systems were presented. Yet, one participant’s contribution stood out: a simple image of a pair of well-worn shoes, representing the most efficient, accessible, and enduring mode of transportation.
New York’s Fifth Avenue has the potential to become the world’s most futuristic and grand boulevard – by embracing its pedestrian roots.
