Ten years after New York City adopted the Vision Zero traffic safety model, the city has marked a significant milestone: 2023 was the safest year for pedestrians since record-keeping began 114 years ago, with only 101 pedestrian deaths in a city of 8.5 million people. This achievement contrasts sharply with the national trend, where pedestrian fatalities have reached a four-decade high, with approximately 7,500 deaths on American roads in 2022.
New York City’s commitment to Vision Zero, initiated by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014, involved several key measures aimed at reducing traffic fatalities. These included lowering the citywide speed limit to 25 miles per hour, implementing a speed camera program, and launching educational campaigns for both drivers and pedestrians. These efforts have borne fruit, as evidenced by the significant reduction in pedestrian deaths. “New York City is leading the nation on pedestrian safety and it has saved countless lives,” said Ydanis Rodriguez, New York City’s Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Commissioner.
Despite these successes, there are notable caveats. Overall traffic fatalities in New York City remain high, with an increase in driver and cyclist deaths. In 2023, fatal crashes involving cyclists reached a 23-year high, with e-bikes often implicated in collisions. Additionally, New York City’s streets still see about eight serious injuries daily, indicating that while progress has been made, much work remains.
The Vision Zero initiative has particularly focused on high-risk intersections, with NYCDOT crews regularly installing traffic-calming measures such as turn bumps, which force drivers to slow down and pay more attention. These measures, along with other interventions, have shown promising results, with significant decreases in fatalities at priority locations.
However, implementing extensive street redesigns can be challenging. While smaller-scale safety measures are generally well-received, larger projects often face resistance from local communities and representatives. This resistance can slow down or even halt vital safety improvements. For example, ambitious projects like adding bike or bus-only lanes frequently encounter opposition, making it difficult for NYCDOT to execute comprehensive safety plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic era saw the emergence of innovative street redesigns, many of which continue to influence current traffic safety strategies. Projects such as the “Paseo Park” in Jackson Heights and the Berry Street bike boulevard in Williamsburg have reimagined streets to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, contributing to the overall reduction in fatalities.
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