This petition aims to protect the safety of pedestrians crossing the street in New York City. It addresses New York's City Council and requests that they implement Leading Pedestrian Interval legislation which will afford pedestrians a couple seconds of cross time ahead of vehicular traffic.
We the undersigned, are concerned that it is becoming increasingly unsafe to be a pedestrian in this city.
New York is a walking city, this is especially true considering that the majority of households do not own an automobile. On a daily basis New Yorkers take to the streets on their way to school, work, shop or to simply hang out with their friends. The extensive amount of walking that takes place in our city not only contributes to a cleaner environment by taking excess vehicles off the road but is also beneficial to an individual's health.
Even though a high percentage of walking takes place in New York, that does not mean that it is a safe city to walk in. According to the executive director of Transportation Alternatives, Paul White, "Vehicles turning into pedestrians is one of the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities and injuries in New York City." The city's Department of Transportation reported that pedestrians suffered 139 fatalities and 12,000 injuries in 2007.
Quality of life and pedestrian safety in New York can be greatly improved through simple initiatives such as implementing
Leading Pedestrian Intervals at intersections.
Leading Pedestrian Intervals signal pedestrians to cross the street a few seconds ahead of vehicular traffic receiving a green light. This system would better protect pedestrians through the 'head-start' they receive and allow them to enter the crosswalk safely, ahead of turning vehicles. In return, turning vehicles will have increased visibility of pedestrians in the crosswalk and would be more readily able to yield for them.
The implementation of
Leading Pedestrian Interval legislation will benefit all New Yorkers. It not only greatly benefits pedestrians, especially school-aged children and the elderly, but benefits vehicular traffic as well. Pedestrians are moved across the intersection early in the signal cycle thus causing fewer conflicts between people and turning vehicles which allows for smoother traffic flow.
Council members, you are greatly urged to draft
Leading Pedestrian Interval legislation on the behalf of the safety of yourself and your fellow New Yorkers. Thank you in advance for taking the time out to read this letter.
