We know, of course, that the advent of the automobile in New York City caused the virtual extinction of stick-ball, neighbors sitting together on stoops, fresh air and children playing in neighborhood streets.
What some may not realize, however, is that New York City automobiles also brought one of the world’s largest mammalian bipeds–and I don’t mean humans–close to extinction.
The good news is that, with the increase of bike lanes and liveable street initiatives in New York (and the potential reduction of automobile use), this species is bouncing back.