Vision Zero
Streetsblog Basics
So Far, NYPD Isn’t Enforcing New Vision Zero Law as Intended
It was a welcome development when NYPD filed the first-ever charges under Section 19-190, a new law that makes it a misdemeanor for drivers to strike pedestrians and cyclists who have the right of way. The law was intended to enable precinct officers to impose consequences for reckless driving, but so far, NYPD doesn't appear to be using it this way.
September 29, 2014
No Charges for Van Driver Who Killed Elderly Woman in Crosswalk
The day after a commercial van driver killed an elderly woman in a Manhattan crosswalk, no charges have been filed, though NYPD implied but failed to confirm that the victim had the right of way. The company that employs the driver, meanwhile, refused to say if he will face any disciplinary action, and he could be back behind the wheel tomorrow.
September 26, 2014
NYPD Starts Using Vision Zero Law, Charges Driver for Killing UES Pedestrian
NYPD has filed misdemeanor charges against a cab driver who killed an Upper East Side pedestrian, marking the first time police have employed a new law that makes it a crime for drivers to strike pedestrians and cyclists who have the right of way, according to a report in DNAinfo.
September 23, 2014
NYC Cab Drivers Don’t Have to Take an NYC Road Test [Updated]
You can watch the entirety of Thursday's hearing on Taxi and Limousine Commission Vision Zero rule changes here. Cue to the 41:15 mark in the second video, embedded above, to see TLC board members wonder aloud whether reckless driving is protected by the Constitution, and if it's really that bad to run over and kill someone while taking a phone call.
September 19, 2014
TLC Commish: It’s Up to NYPD to Get Reckless Cab Drivers Off the Streets
The success or failure of a Vision Zero law intended to get reckless cab drivers off the road will depend on how often NYPD issues summonses and charges after serious crashes, the Taxi and Limousine Commission confirmed today.
September 18, 2014
NYPD Does Not Apply Vision Zero Law in Fatal Elmhurst Crosswalk Collision
An MTA bus driver killed a pedestrian in Queens last night. As with a fatal August crash in Manhattan, NYPD did not apply charges against the driver under a new Vision Zero law, despite information that suggests the victim had the right of way.
September 11, 2014
DOT Scores TIGER Grants for Vision Zero and Rockaways Transpo Study
City Hall and Senator Charles Schumer announced yesterday that NYC DOT had secured a $25 million federal grant for street safety and greenway projects in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Notably, the press release announcing the funding hailed street design improvements as a "critical" component of the city's Vision Zero safety agenda. In addition, a separate $1.4 million federal grant will fund a transportation study for the Rockaways.
September 10, 2014
Will NYPD Apply New Vision Zero Law to Cabbie Who Killed Woman on UES?
NYPD has not filed charges against a cab driver who killed a pedestrian on the Upper East Side last week, despite indications that the crash may warrant a misdemeanor charge under a new city law.
September 4, 2014
DOT: No Plans for Park Avenue Bike Infrastructure After Recent Deaths
DOT will consider design changes at the Park Avenue intersection in East Harlem where drivers have recently killed three cyclists, but there are no plans for new bike infrastructure along the Park Avenue viaduct.
August 19, 2014
The Gulf Between NYPD’s Street Safety Message and Police Behavior
It's day two of NYPD's bike enforcement blitz, and for all its professed good intentions, image-wise the department isn't doing itself any favors.
August 14, 2014