July 22: Vision Zero Report, Pedestrian Prom, Citi Bike on Staten Island
This week, we released our analysis of traffic fatalities for the first six months of the year. The Bronx – a borough with only six percent of the city’s total on-street protected bike lanes – has experienced a higher number of traffic fatalities than any year since Vision Zero began. Overall, fatalities are still 29 percent higher citywide than the safest year on record, 2018.
The increase in traffic violence is killing more children, as the proportion of people aged 18 and under killed in traffic crashes is the highest it has been since Vision Zero began, and double the average rate. Hit-and-runs this past quarter are also 129 percent higher than the second quarter of 2021.
It’s clear that we are still far from reaching Vision Zero. By implementing NYC 25x25, expediting NYC Streets Plan investments, and creating more car-free streets entirely, Mayor Adams can turn the tide of traffic violence and save lives. We need urgent action now, especially in the Bronx.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1️⃣ Turn Park Avenue into a park. Summer Streets will be returning to Manhattan on the first three Saturdays in August, and will extend up to 109th Street for the first time. Walk, run, bike, scoot, or skate from the Brooklyn Bridge to East Harlem on a car-free Park Avenue, and stay tuned for more information about our bike valet locations and group rides.
2️⃣ The Pedestrian Prom is back! On August 19, join us at Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens for a summer soiree on the waterfront. Tickets are now available, and TA members get $10 off – don’t miss out!
3️⃣ In the news. Here’s what we’re reading this week:
Read more coverage of our latest quarterly Vision Zero analysis with articles from Gothamist, Streetsblog, AM New York, PIX11, and NY1.
As part of the “NYC Ferry Forward” program, Mayor Eric Adams announced new discounted fares for low-income riders, seniors, and people with disabilities. The plan will also eliminate the $1 surcharge for taking a bike onboard.
Less than a year after Hurricane Ida brought flash floods to the area, a new Regional Plan Association report looks at how to make central Queens more resilient against extreme weather.
Two Things to Do
1️⃣ Come to our #CitiBike4All picnic on Staten Island. This Saturday, meet fellow riders for a picnic at the Hill Street Community Garden in Stapleton, and show your support for bringing publicly funded bike share to Staten Island. Stick around afterward for a happy hour at Kills Boro Brewery!
2️⃣ Help the DOT improve pedestrian and bike access. If you travel on either side of the Manhattan Bridge, you can help the Department of Transportation improve its plans for street safety. If you live on the Manhattan side, tell them about the pedestrian and transportation issues you’ve experienced on Canal Street; if you’re in Brooklyn, fill out their survey about adding bike lanes on Flatbush Avenue. (Or complete both, if you use both streets!)
One Action To Take Now
Volunteer as a bike rover for the August primaries. Common Cause New York is recruiting volunteers to bike between assigned polling places and to identify and report any issues voters are experiencing. Sign up now for a shift on Election Day (August 23) or during the Early Voting period (August 13–21); training will be provided in advance of your shift.
Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,
Ted and the TA team
P.S. It’s been a hot one this week, hasn’t it? Read this thread if you’d like to learn about how hard surfaces in cities lead to an “urban heat island effect” – but don’t be too dismayed. Remember that an overwhelming majority of people support adding more trees and greenery to streetscapes, even if it means removing parking spaces.