TART Trails is excited to show the film "Contested Streets." Join us for a fun and lively debate about how to improve our public spaces. The film is about New York City’s struggle to deal with excessive automobile use, and compares New York efforts with that of three European cities. Even though the film focuses on large cities, the issues and lessons learned relate very well to what we experience in the Grand Traverse region. The film provides some food for thought for how to make our public street right of ways better. After the hour long movie, we will have an open discussion regarding some of our most contested streets, and what we as a community can do about them. Please join us, we want to hear from you and gather your ideas and energy. There is more info on the film below along with a 5 minute trailer.

What: First showing in the Grand Traverse area of the film “Contested Streets”
When: Wednesday night, December 10. Doors open at 5:30 PM, film at 6:00 PM, discussion at 7:00 PM
Where: InsideOut Gallery, 211 Garland Street
Who: The film will be shown by TART Trails, Inc., with support of the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, the Michigan Land Use Institute and the Fixed Gear Gallery.
Cost: Donations accepted to pay for expenses to show the film.

CONTESTED STREETS explores the history and culture of New York City streets from pre-automobile times to the present. This examination allows for an understanding of how the city - though the most well served by mass transit in the United States - has slowly relinquished what was a rich, multi-dimensional conception of the street as public space to a mindset that prioritizes the rapid movement of cars and trucks over all other functions.

Central to the story is a comparison of New York to what is experienced in London, Paris and Copenhagen. Interviews and footage shot in these cities showcase how limiting automobile use in recent years has improved air quality, minimized noise pollution and enriched commercial, recreational and community interaction. London's congestion pricing scheme, Paris' BRT (bus rapid transit) and Copenhagen's bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are all examined in depth. New York City, though to many the most vibrant and dynamic city on Earth, still has lessons to learn from Old Europe.

Here is a link to the trailer http://www.contestedstreets.com/