City Lawmakers Urge Redesign of NYC Intersections Amid Rise in Child Fatalities
As Mayor Eric Adams took office, dozens of children have lost their lives in traffic crashes across New York City. A group of lawmakers and transportation advocates gathered outside City Hall, citing the mayor's administration as responsible for the escalating number of pedestrian deaths.
The group is pushing for legislation that would require a redesign of streets across all five boroughs, specifically by "daylighting" or removing 20 feet of parking spaces from near 1,000 intersections annually. This measure, which was previously supported by Adams and transportation officials, aims to improve visibility at crosswalks and reduce the number of crashes.
However, critics argue that the proposed solution is too simplistic, as it would result in the loss of parking spaces and could lead to increased congestion. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claimed that the data shows "universal daylighting" would not improve safety and could cause up to 15,000 additional traffic injuries per year.
Despite this pushback, lawmakers are determined to take action. Queens Councilmember Julie Won, who sponsored the bill, argues that lives have been lost due to inaction by the transportation department. Won says she is open to a watered-down version of the bill that would only require daylighting at intersections near schools and plans to negotiate with the Department of Transportation.
The proposal has garnered support from advocates who point to cities like Hoboken, New Jersey, which has implemented similar measures and reported zero traffic deaths in eight years. Advocates argue that such changes can significantly reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities and improve street safety.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: lawmakers will not accept more losses of life due to preventable accidents. The fate of this bill remains uncertain, but for now, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on pedestrian safety in New York City.
As Mayor Eric Adams took office, dozens of children have lost their lives in traffic crashes across New York City. A group of lawmakers and transportation advocates gathered outside City Hall, citing the mayor's administration as responsible for the escalating number of pedestrian deaths.
The group is pushing for legislation that would require a redesign of streets across all five boroughs, specifically by "daylighting" or removing 20 feet of parking spaces from near 1,000 intersections annually. This measure, which was previously supported by Adams and transportation officials, aims to improve visibility at crosswalks and reduce the number of crashes.
However, critics argue that the proposed solution is too simplistic, as it would result in the loss of parking spaces and could lead to increased congestion. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claimed that the data shows "universal daylighting" would not improve safety and could cause up to 15,000 additional traffic injuries per year.
Despite this pushback, lawmakers are determined to take action. Queens Councilmember Julie Won, who sponsored the bill, argues that lives have been lost due to inaction by the transportation department. Won says she is open to a watered-down version of the bill that would only require daylighting at intersections near schools and plans to negotiate with the Department of Transportation.
The proposal has garnered support from advocates who point to cities like Hoboken, New Jersey, which has implemented similar measures and reported zero traffic deaths in eight years. Advocates argue that such changes can significantly reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities and improve street safety.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: lawmakers will not accept more losses of life due to preventable accidents. The fate of this bill remains uncertain, but for now, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on pedestrian safety in New York City.
I'm totally down with the idea of redesigning NYC intersections to make our streets safer for pedestrians, especially kids 
! The stats are crazy - 1,000+ intersections could save lives by removing parking spaces and 'daylighting' them. 
I mean, Hoboken did it and zero traffic deaths in 8 years is a win 
! Let's not worry about the whole congestion thing, we can find ways to make public transport more efficient too 
. We gotta act fast and protect our young ones 
. This bill has my support 
.
. Those child fatalities are just heartbreaking, and I think they have every right to push for change 
. The idea of daylighting intersections is actually pretty simple and straightforward 
️ - more visibility = fewer crashes, right? 
️ Of course, some people might argue that it's too simplistic or will cause congestion, but I think that's a valid argument that needs to be weighed against the lives at stake 
. I've been following this bill closely, and I'm excited to see where it goes next 
. One thing is for sure - if we can find a way to make our streets safer without sacrificing too much, then that's a win in my book 
doesn't it make sense to make our streets safer & encourage people to be more patient & watchful, rather than giving up parking spaces?
. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez says "universal daylighting" wont work & might even make things worse 
. but lawmakers r like, "no way, ppl lives r at stake" 
. theres actually some cities thats done similar thing & seen zero traffic deaths! 
u gotta wonder if we can do better here in NYC 
it's just not right that we have to lose lives like this. I think the lawmakers are trying to do what's best here, but at the same time I can see how they're coming from a place of frustration. i mean, who wouldn't want to improve street safety? 
). and the transportation commissioner saying it might cause more traffic injuries seems like a pretty minor risk. I'm all for giving this bill another shot, especially if it means reducing those awful accidents 
The NYC lawmakers are totally right! We can't just sit back and watch more kids lose their lives to traffic crashes 
But seriously, the stats from other cities like Hoboken are proof that this stuff works! 
. I'm all for a watered-down version of the bill that still gets those schools and busy intersections daylighted 
. Come on, NYC, let's make our streets safer for everyone 
!
... and those poor kids who lost their lives already 
... NYC should definitely do something about this! But, I don't know if 20 feet of parking spaces is a lot to give up... like what's the deal with all that extra space? 
Can't we find other solutions that are more practical and safe for everyone? Like those cities that did it and didn't have any more accidents afterwards? 
I just want my child to feel safe when they're outside, walking to school or playing with friends... this is a major priority! 
and the mayor is probably just gonna get sued anyway... or maybe the city will just end up being a parking lot with 1,000 dead zones where kids can't even cross the street without getting squished 
But, like, Ydanis is being super cautious with the numbers and stuff. I get that, but can't we just try something new for once? The data from Hoboken sounds promising 
... maybe if they did it citywide, it'd make a difference 
. I'm all for finding solutions to these problems - lives lost is just not okay 
. And from what I've heard, it's not just about parking spaces, it's about making the streets safer for everyone 
. I get where Ydanis Rodriguez is coming from but come on, lives are at stake 
. Julie Won's idea to water down the bill and focus on schools is a good start, let's see if they can make it happen 
... wait, no I'm not 
! Like, what if removing parking spaces leads to more people parking in other spots? 
It's already expensive enough as it is. Plus, Ydanis Rodriguez said there wouldn't be a safety boost from "daylighting"... that does kinda make me doubt this whole thing 
It's all so confusing! 
what do u guys think? should they go for it and make our streets safer for all? #NYCFutureIsNow 
I'm so glad there's people like Julie Won who are pushing for change! The idea of daylighting intersections is actually kinda genius - it makes total sense that more visibility would reduce the number of crashes. I mean, think about it, when it's dark outside, it's hard to see a kid crossing the street... but if we could make those areas brighter and safer, lives could be saved! 
. It's good to see advocates pointing to cities like Hoboken, NJ, which has reported zero traffic deaths in eight years 