Chapter 17 Recommendations

ADMINISTRATIVE

Mayor's Office, Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection

Implement public-service campaigns stressing courteous walking, cycling and driving.

In conjunction with Police Department, implement traffic-curbing and motorist-regulating actions, including eliminating/reducing curbside car parking, slowing motor vehicle traffic, and issuing tickets for reckless driving (see Chapter 3).

NYC DoT bicycle co-ordinator John Benfatti on his 30-mile daily commute. Safety equipment such as helmet, reflective vest and light system may improve one's odds in city traffic. Photo: David Weiss/NYC DoT.

NYC Dept. of Transportation

Regularly (at least semi-annually) and promptly disseminate statistics to dispel impression that cyclists cause large numbers of accidents.

Regularly (at least semi-annually) disseminate statistics establishing the magnitude of pedestrian deaths caused by or involving motor vehicles.

Publish and disseminate annual report on bicycling fatalities and serious injuries, including detailed analysis of proximate cause.

NY State Dept. of Transportation

Amend driver's education syllabus to teach new drivers how and why to be alert to bicycles.

LEGISLATIVE

Eliminate prosecutors' informal but prevalent “rule of two” that restricts indictments for motor vehicle accidents to instances in which motorist committed two or more violations.

Abandon efforts to legislate bicycle helmet use in favor of a more holistic approach to bicycle safety that stresses cyclist-motorist education and enforcement and reduced motor vehicle traffic.

See also recommendations regarding traffic law enforcement and vehicle speed limits in Chapter 3, and concerning public education in Chapter 20.