Vision Zero Plan at the intersections of Myrtle and Palmeto Avenues, one of the most congested in Brooklyn. Photo Credit Mariela Lombard/El Diario NY.
Photo: Mariela Lombard / El Diario
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The road safety at multiple intersections in New York City has become quite a challenge for the authorities, and in their eagerness to improve conditions of underserved areas, the mayor Eric Adams , announced that during this 2022 street redesign works will be completed in over 100 intersections considered the most dangerous.
The mayor stressed that redesign projects, including one north of Manhattan, led by students to create protected bike lanes and traffic calming measures between Amsterdam and Saint Nicholas avenueswill help improve safety around schools in low-income neighborhoods.
“We will never compromise the safety of our students and youth, and fairness will always be at the core of our work to protect them,” he said. mayor adams, after making the announcement. “We are investing more than $900 million in road safety and redesigning 1,000 intersections because all New Yorkers should be able to travel through this city without fear for their lives.”
ydanis rodriguezcommissioner of the Department of Transportation (DOT), highlighted the participation of students in the redesign of several streets through the program ‘I Challenge Myself’ , to turn the roads into safe spaces for all.
“As a former school teacher, I know we have a lot to learn from our students, for which I am grateful for a project that puts many of your brilliant ideas into actionthe Adams Administration official said. “We are committed to improving road safety in schools, especially in historically neglected communities. From speed cameras to street redesigns, DOT is using every tool we have to ensure all students are protected from speeding and reckless driving.”
The Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, David C. Bankswarned that the involvement of students in the projects was vital in the redesign of roads near their schools.
“Our students know their communities best, right down to how to stay safe on their way to and from school,” the official said. “It is vital that we invest in projects that equitably address traffic safety on the streets (…) I am very proud to see our students driving positive change in their communities, working in partnership with the DOT to create a safer future with fewer incidents of traffic violence for all of us.”
Inside the hundred redesign projectsas part of the program vision zero, there are also 165th and 167th streets between Prospect Avenue and Simpson Street, Boone Avenue between West Farms Road and Freeman Street, and 158th Street with Cauldwell Avenue, in the Bronx. Also, redesigns on Chauncey Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, and Linden Boulevard with Atkins Avenue, in Brooklyn, Rockaway Boulevard between Sutphin Boulevard and Farmers Boulevard, and 34th Avenue from 69th Street to Junction Boulevard, in Queens.
In Staten Island the reforms in Martha Street and Howard Avenue and Elson Court with Jules Drive stand out.
Manhattan Borough President, Mark Levinementioned that the use of tools such as pedestrian and bus boarding islands, hardened bike lanes and painted sidewalk extensions to improve visibility will make a difference in traffic and pedestrian safety issues.
“After the deadliest year for traffic violence since 2013it is of the utmost importance that we redesign the streets of New York City, especially around schools, to be safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists,” said the former councilman.
Kate Brockwehlof the organization “Families for Safe Streets”urged City leaders to continue to prioritize street safety.
“Picking up and dropping off children at school shouldn’t be dangerous for parents and children”, said the activist. “Whether it’s closing streets outside of schools to cars or building protected bike routes to schools, New York City must protect our students by investing in proven safe street solutions.”
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