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

The Walk21 Conference starts tomorrow, and in addition to some amazing workshops, there's also a chance to meet and hear from leaders in the global push to make cities more livable.

metrobusmexico_1.jpgMexico City's dedicated-lane rapid transit bus system, Metrobus, carries as many as 250,000 riders a day. Photo: vonKinder/Flickr.

Opening the conference tomorrow is Mayor Marcelo Ebrard of Mexico City, which has the second-busiest publicly-owned transit system on the continent (Wed. Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Eisner & Lubin Auditorium). He'll be talking about his city's fight against traffic congestion, including efforts to promote walking, an expanding cycling network, and the introduction of dedicated-lane bus rapid transit

On Thursday, representatives from governments on the forefront of creating sustainable cities will discuss their strategies to help stop climate change (Thurs. Oct. 8, 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Eisner & Lubin Auditorium). Kristina Alvendal, Stockholm's vice mayor of city planning, will explain her "Walkable City" plan, which focuses on a denser, safer urban environment. Steve Heminger, director of the San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, will talk about the importance of walking to California's climate change mandate, which involves regional targets for greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, Jon Orcutt, Director of Policy at the NYC DOT, will discuss the greenhouse gas implications of the city's pedestrian planning efforts.

Don't forget, there's also a cocktail reception tonight, as well as on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, where you'll be able to schmooze with many conference luminaries. Tonight's reception will feature a keynote speech by NYC DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

The Walk21 Conference takes place at NYU's Kimmel Center from October 7-9. More information about each event can be found in the program (click to download). You can register for the conference here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Wednesday’s Headlines: Another Highway Boondoggle Erased Edition

Maybe the worm has turned on these awful boondoggles? Plus other news.

October 15, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: ‘War on Cars’ Hosts Explore Life After the Automobile

...and why it's so urgent that we work for a better future.

October 15, 2025

State Pauses Billion-Dollar Route 17 Expansion in Hudson Valley

One of the biggest highway boondoggles in the state may finally die a merciful death, thanks to Gov. Hochul.

October 14, 2025

Delivery Workers Continue Push For Deactivation Protections

Delivery workers put pressure on the City Council to pass a bill that would give them "just cause" protections.

October 14, 2025

Parking? Lots! But Manhattanites Want to Unlock Space by Queensboro Bridge

It used to be open in the distant past, and can be once again. But DOT says it needs it for "storage."

October 14, 2025

Opinion: Daylighting Corners Would Add Safety While Tackling New York’s Placard Elite

If he's elected, Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani must confront this city's current socialist aberration: Free parking.

October 14, 2025
See all posts