Through interviews with leading historians, urban planners, and government officials, CONTESTED STREETS explores the history and culture of New York City streets from pre-automobile times to the present. Central to the story is a comparison of New York streets to what is experienced in London, Paris and Copenhagen. Interviews and footage shot in these cities showcases how curtailing automobile use in recent years has improved air quality, mitigated noise pollution and enriched commercial, recreational and community interaction. New York City, though to many the most vibrant and dynamic city on Earth, still has lessons to learn from Old Europe.