How Do We Make Our Streets Safer? Tell The City By July 31
After Mayor Bill de Blasio first floated the idea of Vision Zero – an initiative that aims to radically reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries – not long after he took office, there has been an outpouring of suggestions on how to most effectively battle the city’s dangerous roadways on which 286 people died in traffic crashes in 2013.
Neighbors have attended meetings throughout our area to discuss everything from reducing speed limits to vehemently cracking down on reckless drivers, and last month city legislators green-lighted a sweeping package of 11 bills that, for example, requires the city DOT to repair traffic signals within 24 hours of being notified it is not operational, creates seven 20 mph neighborhood slow zones (legislation sponsored by Councilman David Greenfield), and outlaws “stunt behavior” from drivers.But we all know so much more needs to happen to even begin to make our streets safer – and part of the way that could happen is through residents telling the city what they want to see happen in their neighborhood.
The city Department of Transportation sent out a release today encouraging New Yorkers to submit their comments about these very issues to the Vision Zero interactive map by Thursday, July 31. So far, a little more than 7,500 comments have been made through the map, and city officials are urging people to add their feedback – particularly for intersection-specific safety concerns.
The input, officials have stressed, will help lawmakers and other city leaders to shape safety projects and initiatives.
From the DOT’s statement:
Input is vital, especially from those familiar with local traffic conditions and people’s behavior. The comments will be used to shape robust borough-specific traffic safety plans that will guide future work as part of Mayor de Blasio’s goal to eliminate traffic fatalities.The site will continue to be made available for viewing purposes online following the July 31 deadline, but visitors will no longer be able to add comments.
Photo by Matt Landfield
