Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director, Washington, D.C.

Last week I finally had the chance to stroll down Broadway in New York City, including a visit to the Times Square Toys R Us that actually has an indoor ferris wheel (Note to self: Take my daughter there soon). I heard that the avenue had been transformed into a genuine bicycle and pedestrian haven, and sure enough as I scanned the bike path and comfortable patio-style seating at tables alongside I felt like I had been transported to one of the world's most walkable cities -- Amsterdam.

I could imagine the once unimaginable — that New York could acquire a walkable and wildly popular atmosphere, with streets jam-packed with men, women and children commuting to work and school on their bikes. While strolling around we stumbled across some familiar faces, as you can see in the pic below (courtesy of Harrison Wadsworth of the Association of American Railroads).

This is just one of a number of initiatives that visionary transportation leaders have been thinking about for some time, and that they are well on their way to making a reality in cities across the country. These leaders, while relatively low profile, are bringing ...

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