I wasn't allowed to ride the subway alone til I was 13. That said, I was on the subway a few months ago and there were two kids, a sister and younger brother (10 and 6, maybe), in their school clothes riding the subway by themselves. Some creepy guy started talking to the girl, and immediately everyone on the subway had their eyes on the kids, visibly ready to jump in and take care of them if the guy tried anything/followed them off. It's the walking the streets alone part I'd be afraid of, and 9 is way too young for that, in New York especially.
I tossed to the curb a hideous painting that was left behind in my apartment, and less than an hour later it was gone! maybe it's living a happy life on display at some bad art museum, hm..
That said, I was on the subway a few months ago and there were two kids, a sister and younger brother (10 and 6, maybe), in their school clothes riding the subway by themselves. Some creepy guy started talking to the girl, and immediately everyone on the subway had their eyes on the kids, visibly ready to jump in and take care of them if the guy tried anything/followed them off. It's the walking the streets alone part I'd be afraid of, and 9 is way too young for that, in New York especially.