Invoking the views on urban space of Jane Jacobs, several chapters broadly describe ways to change streets by reorganizing and reallocating space, often using ‘tactical urbanism’ techniques. This premise is adroitly challenged the book argues for a drastic change in perspective and to reevaluate how we prioritize space in cities. The reader is first introduced to the context around how streets are traditionally organized – around the aim of moving and storing vehicles. Source: “Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution”

The book is read in a story-like fashion, brimming with inspiring before-and-after images, design references, facts and figures to demonstrate what and why streets were changed. Given the high-profile position that the first author held, readers gain insider insight into the NYC’s surface transportation system and the policies and projects the department launched. The plan boldly reallocated street space away from cars and towards several hundred miles of bicycle lanes, bus-only lanes, and dozens of pedestrian plazas with the explicit aim to both improve traffic safety – especially of those walking and bicycling – and to support modes of transport other than private cars. Sadik-Khan narrates the various challenges faced while implementing the ambitious master plan, called PlaNYC, laid out by Mayor Bloomberg. “Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution” documents the first-person experiences and perspectives of Janette Sadik-Khan during her tenure as commissioner at the New York City Department of Transportation from 2007 to 2013.

Streetfight by Janette Sadik-Khan