New York City lawmakers are pushing for a common-sense safety measure: banning parking near crosswalks. While state law already prohibits parking within 20 feet of intersections, the city has been exempt. Now, a new bill introduced by Council Member Julie Won (D-Queens) aims to close this loophole and bring the city in line with state regulations.
The proposed legislation, which can be found here, seeks to implement a proven street design strategy known as “daylighting.” This involves removing obstructions like parked cars from the area around intersections, improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
“New Yorkers everywhere are asking for daylighting, but implementation is painfully slow; popularity is way outpacing DOT’s action,” said Jackson Chabot, director of Advocacy and Organizing at Open Plans. “The city needs bold leadership here and we hope council Member Won’s bill is the game changer. We’ve so seen much momentum for daylighting in 2024,so it’s exciting to see even more progress before the year wraps up.”
The bill would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections annually. while this represents a notable step forward, it would still only address a fraction of the city’s roughly 40,000 street crossings.
the need for this measure is clear.Intersections are particularly perilous, accounting for 55 percent of pedestrian deaths and 79 percent of pedestrian injuries in New York City, according to the DOT. “Daylighting must be implemented with physical infrastructure,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez has stated, emphasizing the need for more than just signs and paint to deter drivers from cutting corners.
Across the Hudson River, Hoboken has seen success in curbing traffic deaths by aggressively eliminating parking at intersections and installing physical barriers, even simple ones like plastic poles. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of daylighting in creating safer streets.
The bill’s introduction follows a similar piece of legislation at the state level earlier this year, which is still pending.Advocates are hopeful that this renewed push for daylighting will lead to safer streets for all New yorkers.
New York City’s push for safer streets has hit a snag as the deadline for Mayor Adams’ aspiring daylighting initiative approaches. The program, aimed at improving visibility at intersections by removing obstructions, was launched in response to a tragic accident last year where a 7-year-old boy was fatally struck by an NYPD tow truck driver at a dimly lit corner in Brooklyn.
Mayor Adams pledged to implement daylighting at 1,000 intersections annually,but a recent inquiry by Streetsblog revealed that the Department of Transportation (DOT) inflated the numbers by counting multiple corners within the same intersection. This revelation casts doubt on the city’s progress towards achieving its safety goals.
“It’s past time to daylight every corner in New York City,” advocates have long argued, citing a growing grassroots movement demanding safer streets. Community boards and local politicians have joined the chorus, pushing for universal daylighting measures.
The DOT released a list of 314 locations that received daylighting treatments through late August, but has yet to provide an updated figure despite repeated requests from Streetsblog. With the end-of-year deadline looming, the agency’s silence raises concerns about the program’s effectiveness and transparency.
Council Member Won’s office, which has been vocal in its support for daylighting, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
## City Council Takes Aim at Hazardous Intersections with ”Daylighting” Bill
**World Today News:** New York City, notorious for its congested streets and crowding, is taking a step towards making its intersections safer with a new bill introduced by Council Member Julie Won. The legislation targets a seemingly simple but impactful safety measure: banning parking near crosswalks.
To delve deeper into the proposal and its potential impact, we spoke with [**Expert Name**], a transportation expert and advocate for pedestrian safety in New York City.
**World Today News:** Can you explain the concept of “daylighting” and why it’s being considered for New York City streets?
**[Expert Name]:** Daylighting is a proven street design strategy that involves removing obstructions like parked cars from the areas surrounding intersections. This improves visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, making it easier for everyone to see approaching traffic and cross the street safely.
**World Today News:** The proposed bill specifically targets parking near crosswalks. Why is this area a particular concern?
**[Expert Name]:** Intersections are already high-risk areas, accounting for a large percentage of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. when cars are parked near crosswalks, they block the line of sight for both drivers and pedestrians, creating blind spots and increasing the risk of collisions.
**World Today News:** According to recent DOT data, intersections account for 55% of pedestrian deaths and 79% of pedestrian injuries in New York City. How effective do you think this new legislation could be in reducing those numbers?
**[Expert Name]:**Studies have shown that daylighting can significantly reduce pedestrian crashes and fatalities. By enhancing visibility and improving traffic flow, it creates a safer environment for everyone using the street. While this legislation is a step in the right direction, it’s important to remember that it’s part of a broader approach to pedestrian safety.
**world Today News:** The bill requires the DOT to install “daylighting” barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections annually. Is that sufficient to address the problem across the city’s vast network of streets?
**[Expert Name]:** While I applaud the commitment to daylighting 1,000 intersections per year, it’s only a fraction of the city’s 40,000 crossings. A more aggressive implementation plan is needed to truly make a dent in pedestrian safety issues.
**World Today News:** What are some of the challenges you foresee in implementing this legislation?
**[Expert Name]:** One challenge could be pushback from drivers who are accustomed to parking near intersections. Another hurdle may be ensuring that the DOT has adequate resources and staff to implement the daylighting barriers effectively.
**World Today News:** What are your hopes for this bill and its potential impact on New York City?
**[Expert Name]:** I hope this bill will serve as a catalyst for a thorough approach to pedestrian safety in New York City. By prioritizing daylighting and other proven safety measures, we can create a more livable and equitable city for all.
