Likely Council Speaker Julie Menin Claims She'll Work With Mamdani On Livable Streets - Streetsblog New York City

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"In an opening promissory note, the Upper East Side Democrat did say that street safety initiatives are of the "utmost importance." "From supporting expanded outdoor dining ... to supporting free buses, I've consistently backed efforts that improve how New Yorkers move through our city," Menin told Streetsblog in a statement that also cited the "pressure" she brought on the Adams administration to open the South Outer Roadway of the Queensboro Bridge to pedestrians."

"That, plus her mixed record on livable streets issues, such as supporting a bike licensing bill, makes some activists nervous. "I think obviously we are not fans of the bill," said Eric McClure, executive director of StreetsPAC. "We've pushed back hard against it. Regulation of bikes - whether they be analog or electric - has never worked anywhere. It's been counterproductive to encouraging people to cycle."

Julie Menin expresses intent to collaborate with incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani on an affordability agenda while emphasizing that street safety initiatives are of the utmost importance. Menin cites support for expanded outdoor dining, free buses, and pressure on the Adams administration to open the Queensboro Bridge South Outer Roadway to pedestrians. Menin has secured support to become Council Speaker when the new Council votes on Jan. 7. Menin did not endorse a mayoral candidate and her district was a stronghold for ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Activists raise concerns about her mixed record, including backing a bike licensing bill.

Read at Streetsblog