Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

One of the most influential urban thinkers, writers, and activists of the 20th century dies at age 89 in Toronto, Canada.

"I enthusiastically endorse the campaign to close Central Park's loop drive to regular automobile traffic. We had the same sort of fight in Washington Square Park in the late 1950s and in my neighborhood here in Toronto a couple of years ago: same prediction of traffic chaos, same result of no chaos, diminished traffic counts and no counts increased elsewhere in consequence. Isn't it curious that traffic engineers are so loath to learn something new even after repeated demonstrations?"

--Jane Jacobs, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Cities and the Wealth of Nations, and Systems of Survival.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Danger Ahead: City To Let Car Drivers Reoccupy Forest Park Next Week

Freedom Drive will no longer be free from drivers.

December 30, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Losers of the Year

If you want to talk about losers, this year had 'em in bunches. Hate-vote for your favorite!

December 30, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Going in Style Edition

Kudos to an old nemesis ... and other news.

December 30, 2025

Exclusive: Mamdani Pick for Top Diversity Official Is a Recidivist Bus Lane Blocker

Michael Garner, a former MTA official, has been caught blocking bus lanes or bus stops six times this year alone, city records show.

December 29, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Mamdani’s Official Swearing In Will Be At Abandoned Original City Hall Subway Station

The mayor-elect will kick off a new era by throwing things back to an older one.

December 29, 2025

One Betrayal After Another: The Eric Adams Bus And Bike Legacy

The first mayor tasked with implementing the city's Streets Master Plan pitched himself as the man who'd get the job done. He very much did not.

December 29, 2025
See all posts