Loading...Jersey Joe explores a little known New York City street, 6½ Avenue.
6½ avenue is a pedestrian walkway that opened in 2012. The first ½ avenue in Manhattan, it gives pedestrians a fast shortcut between 51st and 57th streets. Adding stop signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks cost city taxpayers $60,000.
While many drivers complain that the ½ avenue stop signs tie up traffic, many businesses and restaurants have capitalized on the walkway, by adding outdoor seating and signage to direct pedestrians into their shops.
THE 411
What: 6½ avenue
Where: New York City
Location: between 51st and 57th Streets
Opened: 2012
JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:
It’s another one of those “only in New York” kind of things. I’ve worked in the city for years, yet I had no idea this avenue existed. I’ve passed by it dozens of times, never giving it a second thought.
Pedestrian only streets are a great idea and are becoming more popular and useful in New York. While commonplace in many European cities, New York is quickly adopting many pedestrian only streets. A big example is where several blocks of Broadway are now closed to traffic south of Times Square.
For me, this street is a great short cut and any time I can cross a street without having to look out for a speeding taxi cab is a winner in my book!
