It's Time for Vision Zero Cities
The moment we've all been waiting for is here — our Vision Zero Cities conference is officially underway! If you haven’t registered yet, don’t worry — there’s still time to join us for two more days packed with keynote speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, and exciting field tours, all focused on making our streets safer, greener, and more equitable for everyone.
We invite you to join us in person tomorrow or to sign up for one of our walking and biking tours on Friday. This is your chance to be part of a growing movement to reshape our streets — don’t miss out!
To get in the spirit, check out the ninth annual issue of our Vision Zero Cities Journal. Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories from cities around the world, showcasing innovative strategies — from policy reforms to tech solutions to grassroots activism — all working to create safer streets and better communities. Dive in and get inspired for what’s sure to be an exciting week of learning and action.
Three Things to Know
Share your story on the USDOT's proposed rule to protect pedestrians. Jessica Hart, a member of Families for Safe Streets DC, recently spoke on NPR about the USDOT's first-ever Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard focused on pedestrian safety. This new proposal would require vehicles to be designed to reduce pedestrian injuries, and it would introduce crash tests simulating head-to-hood impacts, finally aligning with global safety standards. NHTSA is accepting public comments until November 18, 2024. Learn more and submit your comment today.
Mayor Adams: Finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. Our Brooklyn Activist Committee sent a letter to DOT and Mayor Adams, demanding that they finish this overdue safety project. If you haven't signed our petition yet, please do so now! We need your support to close this dangerously unprotected gap. Delayed safety projects lead to more crashes and fatalities. Let's ensure Mayor Adams completes this crucial work for safer streets!
In the press. Here’s what we’re reading this week.
Gothamist reports on DOT’s new bus lane construction on 96th Street. Thanks to the advocacy of our Manhattan activists, these bus lanes are finally becoming a reality.
Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is tackling stormwater management and flood prevention with five innovative projects, including underground tanks, porous pavers, and rainfall prediction technology, all supported by a $53 million grant program. These measures can handle up to 60 million gallons of rainwater each year, as reported by The City.
Gothamist reports that jaywalking will soon be legalized in New York City. The City Council's bill passed Thursday revokes the NYPD's authority to ticket pedestrians for crossing outside of crosswalks.We have long supported this change, and we are glad to see the city remove this outdated policy.
Two Things to Do
RSVP for our Miracle on 42nd Street scavenger hunt. Celebrate what we love about 42nd Street and help us identify areas for improvement. Join our Manhattan Activist Committee to strengthen our community, make new friends, and take action for a better New York City. Learn more and sign our petition to prioritize pedestrians, bus riders, and cyclists on 42nd Street. Don't forget to sign up — this is your chance to be part of the movement for a better city.
Tell Council Member Gale Brewer: E-bike bans are not street safety. Calling all parents, cargo bike riders, Citi Bike users, cyclists, and pedestrians! Join us tomorrow October 17, at 5 p.m. outside of Council Member Gale Brewer's office to stand up against e-bike bans. We’ll meet at her district office at 563 Columbus Avenue, and after, we’ll canvas Citi Bike docks and riders to share our demands. Bring your cargo bike, friends, and neighbors as we advocate for safer streets, not bans. RSVP today and make your voice heard.
One Action to Take Now
Show your support for e-scooters in Eastern Queens. Every New Yorker deserves the freedom to choose how they travel, and e-scooters offer a convenient option for Eastern Queens residents, who have less access to subways and buses than other parts of the city. Instead of limiting new mobility options, we should be redesigning streets and improving transit to encourage more sustainable ways to get around. Sign our petition to show your support today.
