July 29: Lessons on Grief, Summer Streets, Pedestrian Prom
Last week we shared our latest report on Vision Zero, looking at the overall trends in traffic violence citywide. The data revealed that traffic fatalities are up in the Bronx, hit-and-runs have increased more than 125 percent, and that the number of people 18 and under killed in traffic crashes is at its highest since Vision Zero began.
This week, we want to share a powerful piece written by Dana Lerner, a founding member of Families for Safe Streets.
Dana's nine-year-old son, Cooper, was killed in 2014 when a driver of a taxi struck him in the crosswalk. As a psychotherapist, Lerner offers insight into the depths of grief she and others experience, illustrating the unfathomable impact traffic violence has on victims and their loved ones. We hope you will take a moment this weekend to read and share this important piece on grief.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1️⃣ Speed safety cameras turning on 24/7. On Monday night, life-saving speed safety cameras will finally be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The successful program has been proven to reduce speeding by 72 percent at camera locations citywide. When they turn on, we'll have another key tool to reach Vision Zero.
2️⃣ Summer Streets are back next weekend. On the first three Saturdays in August, Park Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from the Brooklyn Bridge to East Harlem. TA will have bike valet stations at the Astor Place, Rose Hill, and Midtown rest stops — park your bike with us as you check out more of those areas’ activities!
3️⃣ In the news. Here’s what we’re reading this week:
A 28-year-old cyclist was killed on Tuesday morning by the driver of a tractor-trailer on East 85th Street. The truck was not on a designated truck route, and elected officials, community board members, and local residents opposed adding a bike lane on this exact street in 2016. When we say that traffic violence is preventable, this is sadly what we are talking about.
Earlier this week, the driver of a Mazda SUV struck and killed 99-year-old Bernice Schwartz as she crossed the street near her home in Riverdale. We are heartbroken and outraged. You can find our full response on Twitter.
Vox looks at the data behind the deadliest road in America. TA's Senior Strategist Jessie Singer is featured, explaining how “the things we think of as ‘accidents’ are in fact the result of dangerous conditions in our built environments."
New York City has fewer public restrooms today than it did in 1940. An article in Bloomberg examines how they became so scarce, and at the roadblocks to adding more facilities across the city.
TWO THINGS TO DO
1️⃣ Tell the MTA how to improve the Queens Bus Network. The MTA will be holding Outdoor Outreach Events throughout Queens in August. Stop by one of its events to learn more about the redesign and to provide your input on improving Queens’ bus routes.
2️⃣ Register for the Tour de Staten Island. If you've enjoyed watching the Tour de France this month, now’s your chance to sign up for a bike tour within the five boroughs. Choose from a 35-mile or 50-mile route at the Tour de Staten Island on September 18.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Get your tickets to the Pedestrian Prom! Join us on August 19 in Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens and celebrate the work of our most fearless activists from around the city. TA members get a $10 discount on tickets – we can’t wait to see you there!
Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,
Ted and the TA team
P.S. The Department of Transportation is looking for input on how to improve bike access in Flatbush and East Flatbush. If you live in, work in, or visit these neighborhoods, fill out this survey to share how you think they should develop their bike infrastructure.