January 21: Safe streets for kids, community boards, Equitable Commute Project
Our kids deserve safe streets. They deserve places to run, places to play, and places to walk. They deserve to have a future.
Earlier this week in Sheepshead Bay, a school bus driver killed 15-year-old Antonina Zatulovska — who was in the crosswalk with the right of way when she was killed.
Antonina deserved a future. Traffic crashes remain a leading cause of injurious death for kids in New York City, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
No family should face these preventable tragedies. We are heartened by Mayor Adam’s announcement that the City will invest in safety improvements at more than 1,000 intersections.
But we know there is more to be done. We’re launching a new area of focus and advocacy around schools. Our first step is hiring a Schools Organizer who will do this. We invite you to learn more about this position and apply.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
The City Council Transportation Committee has a new chair. Congratulations to Queens Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers on becoming the next chair of the Transportation Committee! We look forward to working with her and the entire Council to deliver safe streets for all New Yorkers. Read our full statement.
The Equitable Commute Project is moving forward! Our coalition of New York-based organizations, academics, and partners is advancing as a finalist under the New York Clean Transportation Prizes, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This brings the Equitable Commute Project one step closer to bringing e-bikes to 5,000 frontline workers in New York City. Learn more about the Equitable Commute Project in The Verge.
In the news: Here’s what we’re reading this week:
Curbed discusses how raised crosswalks slow down vehicles and make pedestrians more visible. They are finally coming to NYC.
Read new Brooklyn Council Member Shahana Hanif’s powerful Streetsblog op-ed calling for street redesigns to prevent reckless driving and deadly crashes.
Automated traffic enforcement reduces bias and the role of police. CityLab has the story on how cameras on buses have kept New York City bus lanes clearer – and how the program should be expanded.
After the tragic death of Michelle Go, the MTA said it will study the feasibility of adding platform screen doors to prevent further deaths, reports the New York Post.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Join the TA team. We’re on the move to reclaim New York City’s streets from cars and we need your help. We’re currently hiring a Schools Organizer, Development Coordinator, Families for Safe Streets Upstate Organizer, Manhattan Organizer, and a Senior Director for People & Operations.
Come to Our Bronx Transportation Community Board Leader Forum. Join the TA Bronx Activist Committee for a forum bringing together leaders of transportation committees from various Bronx Community Boards on Saturday, January 22, from noon to 2 p.m. Register for the event.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Power our movement in 2022. We are grateful to everyone who made an end of year gift to TA. Your donation to our advocacy will deliver positive change citywide. If you missed the window, it’s not too late: we'd love to have you join us in the fight for safe streets.
Thanks for reading!