In May 2009, Broadway, New York was partially closed to traffic. The goals were to reduce pollution, increase pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow by creating a truly pedestrian friendly walkway in the heart of the Manhattan theatre district.

For the first time ever, happy New Yorkers were able to traverse Times Square without feeling the need to compete with cars.

Now one of the inspirational leaders that made this happen, New York’s Commissioner of Transportation Janette Sadik-Khan, is coming to Sydney to talk about her drive to make streets for people, not just vehicles.

Broadway was redesigned with a protected bike lane and linear pedestrian plaza. Madison Square, Times Square and other places were revitalised with new public and pedestrian spaces.

A Summer Streets program was initiated that encouraged New Yorkers to walk or ride, each Saturday in August, on streets where cars were banned. A “ribbon of recreation” stretching from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge, and opening up Park Avenue, provided connected routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP will introduce the City Talk and welcome Ms Sadik-Khan. The City of Sydney is working to transform our streets into more people-friendly spaces and has just signed an agreement with the NSW Government that will revitalise the City Centre, improve traffic flows and secure Sydney’s position as a green, global, connected city.

A panel discussion will follow with Clover Moore MP, Janette Sadik-Khan, The Hon. David Borger BEc MP Minister for Roads, Minister for Western Sydney, Matthew Moore, Urban Affairs Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald, John Choi, Architect, Choi Ropiha Fighera and Gail Connolly, Executive Manager – Transforming Sydney, City of Sydney.