“We Won’t Stop Until Every Child Has a Safe Walk to School”: Statement from Transportation Alternatives after Speaker Adams Kills Universal Daylighting Bill

Intro 1138, the universal daylighting bill which would bring safer intersections to New York City, is co-sponsored by 29 Council Members and the Public Advocate.

NEW YORK — Now that the deadline has passed to advance bills for a vote at the final City Council meeting, Speaker Adrienne Adams has pulled Intro 1138, the universal daylighting bill, from consideration. Intro 1138 has majority bipartisan support, but it will not pass this year or under this City Council. 

Statement from Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives:
“Two and a half years ago, 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun was hit and killed crossing an obstructed intersection in Astoria. We came together and demanded daylighting. Two years ago, 7-year-old Kamari Hughes was hit and killed crossing an obstructed intersection in Fort Greene. We came together and demanded daylighting. Every day since, we’ve fought for a simple solution that will prevent crashes and save lives in all five boroughs, growing to a coalition of over 200 organizations around New York City. 

“Today, in response, the Speaker of the City Council has decided to block the universal daylighting bill. This legislation could prevent crashes like the ones that killed Dolma and Kamari, but instead, the Speaker is maintaining a status quo where every year, children die.

“New Yorkers deserve better. On behalf of Dolma, Kamari, and every other child and fellow New Yorker who has been hit and killed in an obstructed intersection, the fight does not end today. To everyone who joined us in this fight, in City Council chambers, on the playground, at a community board meeting, in the street, and our partners in government and advocacy: thank you. We will keep pushing for universal daylighting under a new city council and a new mayor, and we won’t stop until every child has a safe walk to school.”

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