August 9: Speed Limiters, Street Vendors, and Spatial Equity
Families for Safe Streets joined Senator Gounardes and the office of Assemblymember Gallagher to introduce new legislation holding reckless drivers accountable. The bill would require drivers with six or more speeding tickets in a year — or with 11 or more points on their license in 18 months — to install an intelligent speed assistance device in their car that prevents speeding.
This technology exists on some City of New York vehicles — and it works:
Hard brake events fell by 36%
Vehicles followed the speed limit 99% of the time
The legislation ensures that people with extensive track records of reckless driving change their behavior. It does not deny anyone mobility. Drunk drivers have devices in their cars to prevent them from driving recklessly. When you speed repeatedly, we should use similar technology to stop it.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Corona Plaza Street Vendors rally against the mayor’s recent enforcement sweep. For the past 13 days, street vendors have occupied the plaza in a 24/7 protest. Policies that shape our public space exclude and inhibit local communities from using them effectively. Street vendors are a vital part of our city. Local businesses should be supported and regulated, not criminalized. Rather than cracking down and criminalizing our city's smallest businesses, the City of New York must ensure all vendors have access to licenses and the resources they need.
Ditmas Park residents built a colorful bench that faces removal due to permit issues. The bench — a part of Open Streets programming — offered the community some respite, but its future is held up by city bureaucracy. Residents in Ditmas Park already live in one of the lowest-ranking districts for public seating per resident. Our communities deserve accessible public seating. Benches use space positively to ensure the city’s built environment is more just and equitable.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program may be ending soon, Streetsblog reports. We need action to keep dangerous cars off our streets.
The Fordham busway will improve bus service and enhance traffic safety. This Bronx Times op-ed from Families for Safe Streets explores what a safer Fordham Road could look like.
Comptroller Brad Lander calls out the state DOT for spending the majority of federal infrastructure funds on highways, according to Gothamist.
New York City's ballroom community honored O'Shae Sibley's legacy through dance and celebration, The City reports.
TWO THINGS TO DO
RSVP for our Half Century ride. Celebrate TA's 50th anniversary with a 50-mile bike ride through the city. Whether you're an experienced biker or not, we have a route for you! When registering, choose between a 10-mile family route, a 35-mile, or a 50-mile Half Century. Enjoy the views and ride along our iconic TA wins.
Join us for a Summer Streets Family Ride. TA’s Brooklyn Committee is hosting a family fun ride during Brooklyn's first-ever Summer Streets — this kid-friendly 5-mile car-free ride rolls along Eastern Parkway from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue and back. Let us know if you can make it! Need a bike? We’ll have free Citi Bikes available for those 16 and up with advance requests!
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Register for Pedestrian Prom. Where will YOU be on August 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.? There's only one right answer: The Pedestrian Prom! Don't miss out on the hottest event of the summer — celebrate TA's members and activists with us at Ainslie in Williamsburg! Get your tickets today — they're going fast.
Thanks for reading!
Michelle and the TA Team
