Transit strikes are fantastic. Currently, I'm writing this from outside my office hallway due to the fact that the four individuals with keys (I am not one of these four) have decided to not show up for work. Luckily, I can still snag a wireless signal, as well as have access to an outlet. So here I am, sitting on plush carpet, tapping away, while people in shiny green suits make deals with the devil.

Back to the issue of the transit strike. I think it's great. Yes, it is an inconvenience to millions of people. Yes, the biggest transportation system in the world is shut down, ruining people's holiday shopping. Yes, cabs have hiked up their prices, and the sidewalks are jammed with people.

However, the lack of cars in the streets due to the 4-rider requirement, makes this city amazing. The streets themselves, are totally empty. One can look up and down the avenues, and see almost all the way to downtown. And it's quiet. So quiet, you can hear the steam rushing below the streets. Instead of cars there are bikes weaving up and down the blocks. Right now, if I could have anything, it would be a bike to just weave in and out through pedestrians. Even in the cold, this would be amazing.

I ended up talking to someone from Transportation Alternatives about what was happening on my walk over. Chris, was handing out pamphlets, maps, and other assorted literature showing what NY could be like if less people drove, and more walked, biked, or took public transportation. Right now, I would definitely go for something like that. The quiet is amazing. One can't even fathom the amount of noise pollution that exists until one gets rid of the cars.

Tonight, I'm going to walk downtown to look at an apartment. Even though it would be convenient to have the subway take me there, I think the walk will make it more of an adventure.