Clear the Curb – Share the Street
For too long, our streets have been dominated by long-term car parking—cluttering curbs, restricting mobility and compromising the health and vibrancy of our neighborhoods. It’s time to reclaim this public space for people—for the 1.6 million Manhattanites who call this borough home, and the 175,000 visitors who experience it every day.
By eliminating long-term street parking and replacing it with wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes and smart 15-minute loading zones, we can build cleaner, safer and more livable streets.
Wider sidewalks make room for trees, outdoor seating, and smoother pedestrian flow. Protected bike lanes offer safe, low-carbon mobility for all ages. Short-term loading zones keep traffic moving while ensuring businesses get what they need without double parking or blocking access.
But this change is about more than just movement—it’s about public health and cleanliness.
Cars parked for days or weeks create dead space that collects trash, shelters vermin and makes regular street cleaning difficult. By opening up the curb, cities can improve sanitation and hygiene, making neighborhoods feel safer and more cared for. More walkable and active streets are also cleaner streets—used and maintained by people, not neglected under bumpers and tires.
This shift supports a higher quality of life for all. Fewer parked cars mean clearer sightlines, fresher air, quieter streets and more opportunities for community life to flourish. Children can play. Neighbors can gather. Local businesses can thrive. And our shared spaces become healthier, more beautiful places to be.
We’re not removing access—we’re reimagining it. With cleaner, greener and more equitable streets, we’re making room for what matters most: people, connection and community.
Let’s reclaim the curb. Let’s make space for life.
A Smarter Manhattan: Reclaiming Street Space for a Safer, Cleaner and More Livable City
We propose a bold yet achievable vision: eliminate long-term street parking throughout Manhattan and repurpose this valuable public space to benefit everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, businesses and emergency services. Our proposal supports a healthier, more functional city through the following changes:
Expanded, Safer Sidewalks
Widening sidewalks will:
- Eliminate overcrowding and improve pedestrian safety
- Create space for trees, plantings and café seating to beautify neighborhoods and support local businesses
- Provide clear, accessible routes for all ages and abilities
Short-Term Loading & Drop-Off Zones
Designated 15-minute zones for ride-shares, cabs, deliveries and quick pickups will:
- Generate city revenue through enforced time limits
- Improve curb access and reduce double-parking
- Support small businesses with smoother logistics
Protected, Multi-Use Bike Lanes
Curb-separated bike lanes—wide enough for first responders and sanitation vehicles—will:
- Encourage clean, healthy modes of transportation
- Protect cyclists while preventing collisions with pedestrians
- Improve emergency response times by offering clear access routes
Comprehensive Sanitation Solutions
Replacing curbside trash piles with containerized waste zones will:
- Reduce pests and visual blight, while making sidewalks cleaner and more navigable
- Solve Manhattan’s sidewalk sanitation crisis
- Separate garbage/recycling areas from pedestrian paths
Smoother Vehicle Traffic Flow
By removing parked vehicles from travel lanes, we’ll:
- Eliminate double-parking, easing congestion
- Shorten travel times for drivers and commercial vehicles
- Improve overall flow and safety for everyone on the road
The Result: A Safer, Greener, More Dynamic Manhattan
This proposal isn’t just about removing cars—it’s about reclaiming public space for what matters most: safety, community, health and quality of life. With thoughtful design and public investment, we can build a city that moves better, looks better and works better for all.
Share the Street
We are a community-based nonprofit advocacy group led by real Manhattan residents. We champion resident-first street reform that prioritizes safety, quality of life, smoother traffic flow, local business vitality and a more beautiful, human-centered city.
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