In 2014 , DOT initiated the Vison Zero initiative to reduce the number of traffic fatalities in NYC to zero . The various programs- limit the speed to 25 mph, and stronger enforcement of speed limit with cameras as well as yield to pedestrians resulted in a 30% decrease in fatalities in 2014. This is a major achievement for which the DOT and NYPD must be commended.
At the same time DOT reached out to communities to understand the local interactions and hot spots Last week DOT published the Vision Zero Action Plan by Borough resulting from these consultations .
Not surprisingly in Manhattan the primary concern of pedestrians (23%) is the conflict between vehicles and pedestrians in the crosswalk.
We applaud DOT ‘s focus on split phase signals as a solution to these problems:
Here are the Chelsea and Hell’s kitchen corridors and intersections that term report highlight for particular intervention:
14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets
6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Avenues
W14th & 6th, 7th Avenues
W23rd & 6th Avenues
W24th & 8th Avenues
W40 & 8th Avenues
W 42nd & 8th, 9th, 11th Avenues
West 51st & 8th Avenues
W57th & 8th, 10th Avenues
It will be critical for Mayor DiBlasio to allocate proper funding in the next budget for this plan to be executed.
We are also proud that CHEKPEDS was cited in the report as an example of organizations that DOT partnered with to execute a major study and implement changes in the West side of Manhattan.