Samuel Santaella
@samuelsantaella.bsky.social
Lifelong outer-borough #NYC resident. 10 years demanding better ways to not drive.
Expect posts about NYC transit, modernizing regional rail, #bikeNYC, dangerous streets, undoing car supremacy, and climate change overall.
🌐 nycstreetsutures.wordpress.com
Expect posts about NYC transit, modernizing regional rail, #bikeNYC, dangerous streets, undoing car supremacy, and climate change overall.
🌐 nycstreetsutures.wordpress.com
Pinned
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
ETA talked to the NY Times about a bill on Gov Hochul's desk that would mandate two crew on every subway train—something not required by any other metro in the world.
This bill threatens existing service, frequency on the new IBX, and would leave NYC in the past 🧵:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
This bill threatens existing service, frequency on the new IBX, and would leave NYC in the past 🧵:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
Does the Subway Still Need Train Conductors?
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:24 PM
ETA talked to the NY Times about a bill on Gov Hochul's desk that would mandate two crew on every subway train—something not required by any other metro in the world.
This bill threatens existing service, frequency on the new IBX, and would leave NYC in the past 🧵:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
This bill threatens existing service, frequency on the new IBX, and would leave NYC in the past 🧵:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
"Running a red is different. It’s a threat powered by gasoline, thousands of pounds of metal, a heavy foot and a desire to cheat the system, even for a microsecond. It’s an active threat. People die."
Take a few minutes to read this @timdonnelly.com piece on all-too-commonplace red-light running.
Take a few minutes to read this @timdonnelly.com piece on all-too-commonplace red-light running.
so uhhhhh is anyone going to do anything about the epidemic of drivers just blasting through red lights these days? @timdonnelly.com investigates: nygroove.nyc/why-does-no-...
Society broke down and all, but you really still need to stop at red lights
I can't believe we need to explain this one, but it seems that we really do
nygroove.nyc
November 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
"Running a red is different. It’s a threat powered by gasoline, thousands of pounds of metal, a heavy foot and a desire to cheat the system, even for a microsecond. It’s an active threat. People die."
Take a few minutes to read this @timdonnelly.com piece on all-too-commonplace red-light running.
Take a few minutes to read this @timdonnelly.com piece on all-too-commonplace red-light running.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
🧵 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 Samuel Santaella
If you’re not already angry about what the car companies have taken from us, this episode should do it.
NEW EPISODE: "The Creation of America's Car Culture." Producer Ilana Strauss talks to @norton.bsky.social about the two men who, in the 1920s, teamed up to sell more cars and shape the way cities handle traffic. Their legacy can be felt across the country today. podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/t...
November 13, 2025 at 12:47 AM
If you’re not already angry about what the car companies have taken from us, this episode should do it.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
hop in the bakfiets everyone. we’re about to have a bike revolution.
New: Two NYC transit experts, including a top "Vision Zero" planner in the de Blasio administration, have emerged as early favorites to become mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's Department of Transportation commissioner, per four sources. www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/12/m...
Mamdani eyeing DOT veterans, including ‘Vision Zero’ czar, for Transportation commissioner
Ryan Russo and Nivardo Lopez, two veterans of the department with deep experience in street redesign efforts, are being eyed by Mamdani’s team as potential picks for DOT commissioner, the fou…
www.nydailynews.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:57 AM
hop in the bakfiets everyone. we’re about to have a bike revolution.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Since this City Council took office in 2022, 50 children have been killed in traffic in New York City. Today, we rallied at City Hall, placing 50 pairs of white shoes on the steps to represent each child lost during this Council's tenure.
Universal daylighting will save lives.
Universal daylighting will save lives.
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Since this City Council took office in 2022, 50 children have been killed in traffic in New York City. Today, we rallied at City Hall, placing 50 pairs of white shoes on the steps to represent each child lost during this Council's tenure.
Universal daylighting will save lives.
Universal daylighting will save lives.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
For perspective, the distance between the IBX and the G is greater than the width of Manhattan (2.3 miles)
As some NIMBY opposition to NYC’s IBX project heats up, some are claiming it just duplicates the G train. As @shabazzstuart.bsky.social notes, it’s not really the same thing, at all…
November 12, 2025 at 4:11 PM
For perspective, the distance between the IBX and the G is greater than the width of Manhattan (2.3 miles)
LMAOOOOOO
November 12, 2025 at 1:39 AM
LMAOOOOOO
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Some folks said we were too harsh in our episodes on on John Forester and Vehicular Cycling. This amazing video from Not Just Bikes suggests we weren’t harsh enough.
I'm a longtime fan of Not Just Bikes, but his 95(!) minute video on John Forester and Vehicular Cycling is truly his magnum opus.
If you are even remotely interested in the history of bicycling in America, it is worth a watch.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRPd...
If you are even remotely interested in the history of bicycling in America, it is worth a watch.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRPd...
This is Why Cycling is Dangerous in America
YouTube video by Not Just Bikes
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Some folks said we were too harsh in our episodes on on John Forester and Vehicular Cycling. This amazing video from Not Just Bikes suggests we weren’t harsh enough.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
"We don't want new housing because our neighborhood doesn't have the infrastructure."
AND
"We don't want new infrastructure because it will lead to new housing."
AND
"We don't want new infrastructure because it will lead to new housing."
Better Headline: Queens NIMBYs want to screw over their neighbors and close their doors to newcomers.
www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
Off track: Queens residents say “We don’t need it!” to IBX light-rail plan
Queens residents attended a public meeting about the IBX light rail plan, raising concerns about overcrowding, development and other issues.
www.amny.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
"We don't want new housing because our neighborhood doesn't have the infrastructure."
AND
"We don't want new infrastructure because it will lead to new housing."
AND
"We don't want new infrastructure because it will lead to new housing."
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Nice. FRA/FTA should regulate this at the national level.
Obfuscated windows (whether with ad wraps or through poor maintenance like LIRR/NJT) can mean first responders can't see inside the vehicle to see if anyone needs assistance in an emergency.
Obfuscated windows (whether with ad wraps or through poor maintenance like LIRR/NJT) can mean first responders can't see inside the vehicle to see if anyone needs assistance in an emergency.
Denver area transit agency bans advertising covering windows.
www-denverpost-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.denv...
www-denverpost-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.denv...
RTD bans ads covering windows of metro Denver buses and trains
The prohibition means losing revenue at a time when agency officials are grappling with financial constraints.
www-denverpost-com.cdn.ampproject.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Nice. FRA/FTA should regulate this at the national level.
Obfuscated windows (whether with ad wraps or through poor maintenance like LIRR/NJT) can mean first responders can't see inside the vehicle to see if anyone needs assistance in an emergency.
Obfuscated windows (whether with ad wraps or through poor maintenance like LIRR/NJT) can mean first responders can't see inside the vehicle to see if anyone needs assistance in an emergency.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Better Headline: Queens NIMBYs want to screw over their neighbors and close their doors to newcomers.
www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
Off track: Queens residents say “We don’t need it!” to IBX light-rail plan
Queens residents attended a public meeting about the IBX light rail plan, raising concerns about overcrowding, development and other issues.
www.amny.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Better Headline: Queens NIMBYs want to screw over their neighbors and close their doors to newcomers.
www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Our moment is now! 🚉🌳 @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social #BuildtheQueensLink
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Our moment is now! 🚉🌳 @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social #BuildtheQueensLink
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Want to learn more about the Dutch blueprint for urban vitality and the human case for fewer cars in our lives?
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Want to learn more about the Dutch blueprint for urban vitality and the human case for fewer cars in our lives?
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
Beginning today, our first two books—and hundreds of other titles—are half price (just $15 each!) via the Island Press website. Promo ends midnight Sunday.
Order yours at islandpress.org
NYC foamers joke about R179s being lemons, but check this out
I know this is hardly the biggest issue in the world right now, but it's astonishing to me that Amtrak still can't the basic things working on their new Acelas.
No announcement screens?
No announcement screens?
Immediate observations: PA is too quiet. Seat reservation displays don't work. Announcement screens don't work either.
November 10, 2025 at 6:25 PM
NYC foamers joke about R179s being lemons, but check this out
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
What are #LowTrafficNeibourhoods (LTNs)?
HT @streetfilms.bsky.social @coolbikeart1.bsky.social
youtu.be/iaRcd5hEY1Y?...
HT @streetfilms.bsky.social @coolbikeart1.bsky.social
youtu.be/iaRcd5hEY1Y?...
Tour the Tranquility of some of London's Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs)
YouTube video by Streetfilms®
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
There is nothing worse in the urban planning world than the "I wasn't consulted!" syndrome.
"“We did not request IBX. We had no interest in getting a train to Brooklyn,” one Queens resident said. “I don’t even know anyone in my neighborhood who would want to go to Brooklyn." -- www.amny.com/nyc-transit/...
Off track: Queens residents say “We don’t need it!” to IBX light-rail plan
Queens residents attended a public meeting about the IBX light rail plan, raising concerns about overcrowding, development and other issues.
www.amny.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:26 PM
There is nothing worse in the urban planning world than the "I wasn't consulted!" syndrome.
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
The Post (me and @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social) analyzed the social media posts and appearances of prominent politicians across the country.
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
November 10, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Post (me and @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social) analyzed the social media posts and appearances of prominent politicians across the country.
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
Many city halls are deep in budget-time. Some are pushing austerity ideologies, and are ignoring the difference between costs and cost-savers/value creators. Citizens, PAY ATTENTION, and never forget that the TRUTH about a city’s REAL aspirations isn’t found in its visions. It’s found in its budget.
November 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Many city halls are deep in budget-time. Some are pushing austerity ideologies, and are ignoring the difference between costs and cost-savers/value creators. Citizens, PAY ATTENTION, and never forget that the TRUTH about a city’s REAL aspirations isn’t found in its visions. It’s found in its budget.
I really hope this makes it out to the furthest corners of the outer boroughs.
As I wrote back in 2019 for @nyc.streetsblog.org: nyc.streetsblog.org/2019/11/29/o...
As I wrote back in 2019 for @nyc.streetsblog.org: nyc.streetsblog.org/2019/11/29/o...
November 10, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I really hope this makes it out to the furthest corners of the outer boroughs.
As I wrote back in 2019 for @nyc.streetsblog.org: nyc.streetsblog.org/2019/11/29/o...
As I wrote back in 2019 for @nyc.streetsblog.org: nyc.streetsblog.org/2019/11/29/o...
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
NOTHING can destroy a Cyber Truck….😎😏
#WorldBollardAssociation
#WorldBollardAssociation
February 15, 2025 at 11:35 PM
NOTHING can destroy a Cyber Truck….😎😏
#WorldBollardAssociation
#WorldBollardAssociation
November 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
November 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Samuel Santaella
I'm attending Transportation Alternatives's event, “Rally to Demand Action on Daylighting”. It is critical that we push this bill to a vote before the end of the year or we have to start all over again. Sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/transalt/eve...
Rally to Demand Action on Daylighting · Transportation Alternatives
Join Transportation Alternatives, Open Plans, and more for a rally at the City Hall steps to demand council action on daylighting. There are only four council meetings until the end of the legislative...
www.mobilize.us
November 6, 2025 at 7:18 PM
I'm attending Transportation Alternatives's event, “Rally to Demand Action on Daylighting”. It is critical that we push this bill to a vote before the end of the year or we have to start all over again. Sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/transalt/eve...
I wonder what this would look like with permeable surfaces (i.e. a surface that absorbs stormwater).
Cobblestone is quite effective at controlling speed, but unfortunately is not permeable.
Cobblestone is quite effective at controlling speed, but unfortunately is not permeable.
NYC knows how to build self-enforcing streets that slow vehicles and micromobility down (to benefit pedestrians.)
November 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I wonder what this would look like with permeable surfaces (i.e. a surface that absorbs stormwater).
Cobblestone is quite effective at controlling speed, but unfortunately is not permeable.
Cobblestone is quite effective at controlling speed, but unfortunately is not permeable.