The Village of Sea Cliff accepted an award from the anti-motorist lobbying group Transit Solutions. Transit Solutions heaped praise on the Village for establishing a so-called “car free” day. If Transit Solutions and groups like it have their way, Mayor Lieberman won’t be driving around in his convertible BMW as much anymore.
The Village “car-free” day consisted of the Mayor ordering the closure of a section of one street to cars. Only bikes, pedestrians, or skateboards were permitted in this area. This symbolic gesture was meant to highlight Transit Solution’s agenda which is aimed directly at YOU – the Long Island motorist.
Lot’s of Tax Payer Money But No Solutions
Transit Solutions apparently obtains funding from both Federal and State agencies like the MTA/Long Island Rail Road to rid Long Island from our love affair with cars. Your tax dollars at work. They take that money and hire marketing companies to create anti motorist propaganda campaigns. One such marketer they hired is AFFIRM, as their website states, “an award-winning, full-service marketing agency with offices in Wisconsin.” They go on to state their goal is to, “target audiences and achieve the desired outcomes.”
While spouting their lofty goals, Transit Solutions really offers no solutions other than making your driving slower, more frustrating, and more costly.
New York City Anti Motorist Agenda Means More Accidents, Lost Jobs
One only needs to look west to New York City where another well funded advocacy group Transportation Alternatives have made motorist’s lives hell. Bikes lanes and closed streets have decreased available parking. Aggressive cyclists ignore traffic rules and weave in traffic when it’s convenient to them. Bike lanes have reduced roadway which increases congestion for motorists. The lanes also prevent customers from parking in front of stores which causes vulnerable bricks and mortar businesses to lose vital sales. The lost sales often causes these small stores to close down with a loss of jobs.
As stated in a recent Newsday article, the goal of these groups is to reduce use of personal vehicles and “free up” parking spaces.
Islanders Beware – They Are Coming For Your Car
Village and county residents need to beware of groups like “Transit Solutions.” Their goal is to make your driving more costly and inconvenient. They want to force you from the safety and convenience of your car, and onto a bike, bus, train, or skateboard. When you look at the bike fatality statistics in NYC, it’s so sad. Too many lives have been cut short by bike accidents. If they made the trip in a car they would be alive today.
Long Island is not New York City. We love our cars and the steering wheel can only be pried from our “cold dead hands.” The complicity of the Village towards Transit Solution’s agenda will only serve to further embolden the anti motorist group.
Please contact the Village Board and Mayor Lieberman if you believe this Village should NOT be getting involved with groups like Transit Solutions.