Ben Furnas
@bfurnas.bsky.social
Executive Director, Transportation Alternatives
Former: @Cornell; @nycmayor.
The greatest city in the world should have the greatest streets in the world. Views mine. 🗽
Join us! https://transalt.org/membership
Former: @Cornell; @nycmayor.
The greatest city in the world should have the greatest streets in the world. Views mine. 🗽
Join us! https://transalt.org/membership
Pinned
Ben Furnas
@bfurnas.bsky.social
· Dec 9
We're so excited to announce that TA is welcoming its next executive director: Ben Furnas!
Ben will join TA in January.
Ben will join TA in January.
Incredibly excited and honored to join the amazing team at Transportation Alternatives!
The greatest city in the world should have the greatest streets in the world and New Yorkers deserve safe and convenient ways to get around.
Can’t wait to get to work!
The greatest city in the world should have the greatest streets in the world and New Yorkers deserve safe and convenient ways to get around.
Can’t wait to get to work!
Reposted by Ben Furnas
Stuck in traffic today?
As part of the congestion pricing legislation, New York has the power to free the zone of traffic jams during Gridlock Alert Days by dynamically increasing the congestion pricing fee by 25%.
But Governor Hochul directed the MTA *not* to use this power.
As part of the congestion pricing legislation, New York has the power to free the zone of traffic jams during Gridlock Alert Days by dynamically increasing the congestion pricing fee by 25%.
But Governor Hochul directed the MTA *not* to use this power.
November 20, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Stuck in traffic today?
As part of the congestion pricing legislation, New York has the power to free the zone of traffic jams during Gridlock Alert Days by dynamically increasing the congestion pricing fee by 25%.
But Governor Hochul directed the MTA *not* to use this power.
As part of the congestion pricing legislation, New York has the power to free the zone of traffic jams during Gridlock Alert Days by dynamically increasing the congestion pricing fee by 25%.
But Governor Hochul directed the MTA *not* to use this power.
Reposted by Ben Furnas
🧵 Transportation Alternatives has issued an expansive and comprehensive roadmap for transforming NYC's streets, public spaces, and transportation systems, and Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social is just the person to implement it.
When Mayor-elect Mamdani takes office on January 1, he will control over 6,300 miles of streets throughout the five boroughs.
Reducing car dependence is one of the best ways to reduce costs for New Yorkers. Owning a car costs nearly $9,000 annually, while taking transit costs just $1,500.
Reducing car dependence is one of the best ways to reduce costs for New Yorkers. Owning a car costs nearly $9,000 annually, while taking transit costs just $1,500.
November 13, 2025 at 3:29 PM
🧵 Transportation Alternatives has issued an expansive and comprehensive roadmap for transforming NYC's streets, public spaces, and transportation systems, and Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social is just the person to implement it.
Reposted by Ben Furnas
Very impressive for a Business Improvement District to LEAD the charge to make this happen and contribute $1 million of the cost! It's made SUCH a difference. The seating and relaxing areas are impressively designed! @nyc.streetsblog.org @mikelydon.bsky.social @bfurnas.bsky.social @openplans.org
NYC's Meatpacking District Converts 14th Street to a Pleasant Promenade with Public Porches
YouTube video by Streetfilms®
www.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Very impressive for a Business Improvement District to LEAD the charge to make this happen and contribute $1 million of the cost! It's made SUCH a difference. The seating and relaxing areas are impressively designed! @nyc.streetsblog.org @mikelydon.bsky.social @bfurnas.bsky.social @openplans.org
Reposted by Ben Furnas
New Yorkers are craving secure bike parking: this one small station has had 2,000 unique users in just two years!
More of these units — and larger facilities — will mean that more New Yorkers will have the peace of mind to try biking, without having to worry about theft.
More of these units — and larger facilities — will mean that more New Yorkers will have the peace of mind to try biking, without having to worry about theft.
Last month we celebrated the two year anniversary of Oonee Hudson Square with local BID.
Personally, on this journey I am most proud of the way that NYC communities have embraced our initial bike parking stations-- hard 2 believe that ppl were once skeptical bc they were afraid of blowback.
Personally, on this journey I am most proud of the way that NYC communities have embraced our initial bike parking stations-- hard 2 believe that ppl were once skeptical bc they were afraid of blowback.
October 6, 2025 at 9:15 PM
New Yorkers are craving secure bike parking: this one small station has had 2,000 unique users in just two years!
More of these units — and larger facilities — will mean that more New Yorkers will have the peace of mind to try biking, without having to worry about theft.
More of these units — and larger facilities — will mean that more New Yorkers will have the peace of mind to try biking, without having to worry about theft.
Reposted by Ben Furnas
Climate Week NYC is just around the corner. Don't miss our incredible lineup of speakers, including:
@bfurnas.bsky.social
@schatz.bsky.social
@casten.house.gov
Register for Heatmap House here: info.heatmap.news/heatmap-hous...
@bfurnas.bsky.social
@schatz.bsky.social
@casten.house.gov
Register for Heatmap House here: info.heatmap.news/heatmap-hous...
September 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Climate Week NYC is just around the corner. Don't miss our incredible lineup of speakers, including:
@bfurnas.bsky.social
@schatz.bsky.social
@casten.house.gov
Register for Heatmap House here: info.heatmap.news/heatmap-hous...
@bfurnas.bsky.social
@schatz.bsky.social
@casten.house.gov
Register for Heatmap House here: info.heatmap.news/heatmap-hous...
Reposted by Ben Furnas
I wrote about what should be done about Canal Street a couple of years ago. Glad the city is doing something but there is yet so much more that could be done.
medium.com/@reorientati...
medium.com/@reorientati...
September 12, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I wrote about what should be done about Canal Street a couple of years ago. Glad the city is doing something but there is yet so much more that could be done.
medium.com/@reorientati...
medium.com/@reorientati...
Reposted by Ben Furnas
🚨 Daylighting Rally and Lobby Day September 15! 🚨
Join us, a coalition of street safety groups, and City Council members this Monday at 9:30 a.m., at City Hall Park.
We’re fighting to pass @cmjuliewon.bsky.social's Intro 1138, the bill to bring universal daylighting to New York City.
Join us, a coalition of street safety groups, and City Council members this Monday at 9:30 a.m., at City Hall Park.
We’re fighting to pass @cmjuliewon.bsky.social's Intro 1138, the bill to bring universal daylighting to New York City.
September 11, 2025 at 9:33 PM
🚨 Daylighting Rally and Lobby Day September 15! 🚨
Join us, a coalition of street safety groups, and City Council members this Monday at 9:30 a.m., at City Hall Park.
We’re fighting to pass @cmjuliewon.bsky.social's Intro 1138, the bill to bring universal daylighting to New York City.
Join us, a coalition of street safety groups, and City Council members this Monday at 9:30 a.m., at City Hall Park.
We’re fighting to pass @cmjuliewon.bsky.social's Intro 1138, the bill to bring universal daylighting to New York City.
Reposted by Ben Furnas
NEW: Transportation Alternatives Calls For Investigation Into All Stalled Street Safety Projects After Corruption Charges Against Lewis-Martin
Transportation Alternatives Calls For Investigation Into All Stalled Street Safety Projects After Corruption Charges Against Lewis-Martin — Transportation Alternatives
Ingrid Lewis-Martin is facing bribery charges after allegedly working with the Argento family to stop the McGuinness Boulevard street redesign. McGuinness Boulevard is one of several street safety ...
transalt.org
September 8, 2025 at 3:04 PM
NEW: Transportation Alternatives Calls For Investigation Into All Stalled Street Safety Projects After Corruption Charges Against Lewis-Martin
Reposted by Ben Furnas
We had a great time yesterday at the Big Boro Bike Ride, celebrating cycling, advocacy, and community power!
Looking to join another ride? Join us September 21 for the Century!
Looking to join another ride? Join us September 21 for the Century!
September 8, 2025 at 4:41 PM
We had a great time yesterday at the Big Boro Bike Ride, celebrating cycling, advocacy, and community power!
Looking to join another ride? Join us September 21 for the Century!
Looking to join another ride? Join us September 21 for the Century!
Reposted by Ben Furnas
After a tragic accident on Scott Avenue claimed the life of 29-year-old motorcyclist Philippe Haussmann last summer, DOT has worked with the Haussmann family, advocates, local community boards, & our office to swiftly plan and implement safety improvements to the area.
Read about the plans below ⬇️
Read about the plans below ⬇️
September 5, 2025 at 9:02 PM
After a tragic accident on Scott Avenue claimed the life of 29-year-old motorcyclist Philippe Haussmann last summer, DOT has worked with the Haussmann family, advocates, local community boards, & our office to swiftly plan and implement safety improvements to the area.
Read about the plans below ⬇️
Read about the plans below ⬇️
Reposted by Ben Furnas
New research on the causes of irregular bus arrival times:
"The most significant contributors to the variability of headways are variability in schedules and dispatching at terminals." Bus operator experience matters, too.
doi.org/10.3390/smar...
"The most significant contributors to the variability of headways are variability in schedules and dispatching at terminals." Bus operator experience matters, too.
doi.org/10.3390/smar...
September 3, 2025 at 1:02 PM
New research on the causes of irregular bus arrival times:
"The most significant contributors to the variability of headways are variability in schedules and dispatching at terminals." Bus operator experience matters, too.
doi.org/10.3390/smar...
"The most significant contributors to the variability of headways are variability in schedules and dispatching at terminals." Bus operator experience matters, too.
doi.org/10.3390/smar...
Reposted by Ben Furnas
"It's City Hall's job to protect New Yorkers — not to sell them out to special interests. It’s a scandal that so many street safety projects are stuck in limbo, and that more New Yorkers are being hurt in crashes because of the Adams administration's inaction" - @bfurnas.bsky.social
'Safety for Sale': How City Hall Corruption Hurt New Yorkers and Slowed Bus Riders - Streetsblog New York City
Mayor Eric Adams's interventions into DOT projects at the behest of campaign donors hurt New Yorkers — literally.
nyc.streetsblog.org
August 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
"It's City Hall's job to protect New Yorkers — not to sell them out to special interests. It’s a scandal that so many street safety projects are stuck in limbo, and that more New Yorkers are being hurt in crashes because of the Adams administration's inaction" - @bfurnas.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Furnas
My daughter Robyn was killed in New York City doing bicycle messenger work on June 24th, 2019 due in part because of unsafe road conditions. I fully support a safer McGuinness Boulevard.
@fam4safestreets.bsky.social
@familiesforsafestreets.bsky.social
@transalt.bsky.social
@fam4safestreets.bsky.social
@familiesforsafestreets.bsky.social
@transalt.bsky.social
Robyn Hightman Found a Life on Bikes. In an Instant It Was Gone.
The miraculous and tragic story of a life transformed by cycling
www.bicycling.com
August 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
My daughter Robyn was killed in New York City doing bicycle messenger work on June 24th, 2019 due in part because of unsafe road conditions. I fully support a safer McGuinness Boulevard.
@fam4safestreets.bsky.social
@familiesforsafestreets.bsky.social
@transalt.bsky.social
@fam4safestreets.bsky.social
@familiesforsafestreets.bsky.social
@transalt.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Furnas
To make this a more effective safety strategy, it would help if DOT actually informed people this is a thing (old pic from the N Point St in SF)
August 27, 2025 at 3:13 PM
To make this a more effective safety strategy, it would help if DOT actually informed people this is a thing (old pic from the N Point St in SF)
Reposted by Ben Furnas
I teased some initial thoughts about the new Flatbush center bus lane designs with @nyc.streetsblog.org a few weeks ago. Now @walterhook.bsky.social and I have done an in-depth analysis. In short, there are critical issues that must be resolved.
reorientations.medium.com/designing-a-...
reorientations.medium.com/designing-a-...
Designing a BRT on Flatbush is complicated
The details will make it or break it
reorientations.medium.com
August 21, 2025 at 8:59 PM
I teased some initial thoughts about the new Flatbush center bus lane designs with @nyc.streetsblog.org a few weeks ago. Now @walterhook.bsky.social and I have done an in-depth analysis. In short, there are critical issues that must be resolved.
reorientations.medium.com/designing-a-...
reorientations.medium.com/designing-a-...
Reposted by Ben Furnas
BREAKING: "If These Allegations Are True, The Adams Administration Takes Bribes; New Yorkers Die": Statement from Transportation Alternatives on the Alleged Corruption Charges Facing Lewis-Martin and the Argentos
Read our full statement here:
Read our full statement here:
"If These Allegations Are True, The Adams Administration Takes Bribes; New Yorkers Die": Statement from Transportation Alternatives on the Alleged Corruption Charges — Transportation Alternatives
Ingrid Lewis-Martin is allegedly facing corruption charges after working with the Argento family to stop the McGuinness Boulevard street redesign. NEW YORK — Today, Transportation Alternatives relea...
transalt.org
August 20, 2025 at 9:16 PM
BREAKING: "If These Allegations Are True, The Adams Administration Takes Bribes; New Yorkers Die": Statement from Transportation Alternatives on the Alleged Corruption Charges Facing Lewis-Martin and the Argentos
Read our full statement here:
Read our full statement here:
Reposted by Ben Furnas
A devastating crash in Astoria has left three people dead. I'm heartbroken for the victims and their loved ones.
We can't normalize this. It's time to commit to streets that are safe for everyone.
We can't normalize this. It's time to commit to streets that are safe for everyone.
3 dead after car crashes into coffee truck, pedestrians in Astoria
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was speeding before slamming into the parked coffee truck.
abc7ny.com
August 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
A devastating crash in Astoria has left three people dead. I'm heartbroken for the victims and their loved ones.
We can't normalize this. It's time to commit to streets that are safe for everyone.
We can't normalize this. It's time to commit to streets that are safe for everyone.
Reposted by Ben Furnas
There's plans to make Astoria safe, but they haven't moved forward.
In June, DOT presented on a street safety project for 19th Avenue, and local elected officials and community advocates have also also called for a comprehensive street safety plan. assembly.state.ny.us/write/upload...
In June, DOT presented on a street safety project for 19th Avenue, and local elected officials and community advocates have also also called for a comprehensive street safety plan. assembly.state.ny.us/write/upload...
assembly.state.ny.us
August 12, 2025 at 6:36 PM
There's plans to make Astoria safe, but they haven't moved forward.
In June, DOT presented on a street safety project for 19th Avenue, and local elected officials and community advocates have also also called for a comprehensive street safety plan. assembly.state.ny.us/write/upload...
In June, DOT presented on a street safety project for 19th Avenue, and local elected officials and community advocates have also also called for a comprehensive street safety plan. assembly.state.ny.us/write/upload...
Reposted by Ben Furnas
the peds beat the bus riders by *8* minutes!!! over 1.5 miles.
“Thirty-Fourth Street today and 42nd Street tomorrow," says @bfurnas.bsky.social executive director of Transportation Alternatives, one of the race hosts. great advocacy.
42nd St. will be danceable!
“Thirty-Fourth Street today and 42nd Street tomorrow," says @bfurnas.bsky.social executive director of Transportation Alternatives, one of the race hosts. great advocacy.
42nd St. will be danceable!
August 8, 2025 at 6:49 PM
the peds beat the bus riders by *8* minutes!!! over 1.5 miles.
“Thirty-Fourth Street today and 42nd Street tomorrow," says @bfurnas.bsky.social executive director of Transportation Alternatives, one of the race hosts. great advocacy.
42nd St. will be danceable!
“Thirty-Fourth Street today and 42nd Street tomorrow," says @bfurnas.bsky.social executive director of Transportation Alternatives, one of the race hosts. great advocacy.
42nd St. will be danceable!
Reposted by Ben Furnas
People have been wrongly claiming bike lanes hurt business ever since the first bike lane was built.
But let's set the record straight: the data is anything BUT unclear.
Bike lanes:
💼 support local businesses
📉 reduce commercial vacancies
But let's set the record straight: the data is anything BUT unclear.
Bike lanes:
💼 support local businesses
📉 reduce commercial vacancies
August 8, 2025 at 9:09 PM
People have been wrongly claiming bike lanes hurt business ever since the first bike lane was built.
But let's set the record straight: the data is anything BUT unclear.
Bike lanes:
💼 support local businesses
📉 reduce commercial vacancies
But let's set the record straight: the data is anything BUT unclear.
Bike lanes:
💼 support local businesses
📉 reduce commercial vacancies
A huge win - activism works!
Coming soon to Midtown:
🚌 34th Street Busway
🚶♀️ Pedestrianized Broadway
After years of advocacy, transformative change is coming to the heart of New York City. We're bringing the successes of the 14th Street busway to 34th Street!
🚌 34th Street Busway
🚶♀️ Pedestrianized Broadway
After years of advocacy, transformative change is coming to the heart of New York City. We're bringing the successes of the 14th Street busway to 34th Street!
August 6, 2025 at 10:12 PM
A huge win - activism works!
New signage on Bedford Avenue.
July 31, 2025 at 4:15 AM
New signage on Bedford Avenue.
Reposted by Ben Furnas
Do you know a kid who needs a bike? A generous donor in Harlem has donated a bike that's perfect for a child around 3'6" to 3'9" tall.
Go to transalt.org/bikematch to apply!
Go to transalt.org/bikematch to apply!
July 17, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Do you know a kid who needs a bike? A generous donor in Harlem has donated a bike that's perfect for a child around 3'6" to 3'9" tall.
Go to transalt.org/bikematch to apply!
Go to transalt.org/bikematch to apply!
Reposted by Ben Furnas
The legal battle over the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane continues...
@emilylip.bsky.social explains the latest developments: youtube.com/shorts/KoQO9...
@emilylip.bsky.social explains the latest developments: youtube.com/shorts/KoQO9...
What's Happening With the Bedford Ave. Bike Lane? #nyc #brooklyn #bike
YouTube video by Streetsblog NYC
youtube.com
July 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The legal battle over the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane continues...
@emilylip.bsky.social explains the latest developments: youtube.com/shorts/KoQO9...
@emilylip.bsky.social explains the latest developments: youtube.com/shorts/KoQO9...