Contested Streets (2006 Video) User Reviews

An important argument and history about cars and cities

[williamscole-1 · 9/10 · 2 February 2007]

Cities are meant for people, not cars, and this film powerfully shows how cities can be designed and changed so they don't have to be clogged with cars and pollution but can facilitate walking and public transportation. By first telling the history of New York City Contested Streets outlines the history of how Robert Moses (who is currently undergoing a positive revisionist history) actually cut up NYC for cars even though he didn't even drive. It then goes on to look at London, Paris and Copenhagen to show how some once clogged cities are taking back streets for bikes, pedestrians and public transportation. Oh how it would great if politicians in New York City saw this and made some changes!

How to make NYC friendly to people rather than cars

[scottsobel · 10/10 · 21 October 2006]

This film is an excellent explanation of the changes necessary to make New York a city for people. We already know we can't accommodate all of the cars. Let's work toward allowing the few that really need to drive in to get in without traffic and the rest to get in quickly comfortably and easily on mass transit or bicycles.

Note that this film is NOT solely about New York. THIS CAN WORK FOR ANY CITY!!

I would also strongly recommend some of the additional features. In particular, everyone should watch the segment by Enrique Penalosa, the former mayor of Bogota Columbia. He transformed that city in just three years and is a very powerful speaker on this subject.