From The Politicker:The New York City Council hopes to pass legislation that would reduce the speed limit on most residential and side streets to 20 miles per hour, Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced today.
“We are actively working on that bill and our goal is to pass it before the end of the year,” Ms. Quinn said during an unrelated press conference this afternoon before the month’s final council meeting. “We’re actively working on it right now.”
The bill, introduced by Councilman David Greenfield, is aimed at reducing serous pedestrian injuries and traffic fatalities. Last year, 148 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents and crashes.
“We are working to fine-tune this life-saving legislation that will slow down automobiles on narrow residential streets. I am hopeful that we can get consensus on this important legislation, which will literally save lives once it is enacted here in New York City,” he said in response to the speaker’s comments.
But there are complications. The city’s Department of Transportation has argued the proposal would conflict with state law, which only allows limits that low if other traffic-calming devices are used. Last Friday, Councilman Jimmy Vacca, chair of the council’s transportation committee, told WNYC the bill was being “tweaked a little bit” and that members were “aiming for 25 miles per hour on narrow, one-way streets.”
In other traffic safety news, a problem intersection in Astoria is under scrutiny and Woodhaven Blvd solutions are being pondered.
19 comments:
do these buttheads really believe that a different speed limit will save lives? Tickets thats what they care about here,tickets and control lives saved will be an aftertgought for them wise up fatheads.They could care less about your ass getting run over
Lowering speed limits is not going to help....people dont even follow the speed limits as it is now!
"The city’s Department of Transportation has argued the proposal would conflict with state law, which only allows limits that low if other traffic-calming devices are used."
Okay, so give us those devices as well. Traffic needs to be calmed in residential areas around the city. The focus should be on making residential areas safer and better for pedestrians.
Other cities do this already. Why not us? There are lots of things that can be done and not just speed bumps and posting lower speed limits. Check out Vernon Avenue in Staten Island.
For narrow residential streets, drivers should EXPECT to HAVE to go slow and if bumps and forced re-routings are what it takes so be it.
Will the new law be enforced, if the existing 30 mph law is not?
Looks like we all agree: enforcement, the problem and the solution.
Take a look at the current proposal to put in speed humps around schools: it will cost bib $bucks$, and probably won't help. The way to go: zero tolerance, impound vehicles and make the owners hop through hoops to get them back. This would also generate revenue, rather than throw it away on an installation with dubious merit.
also what is the cost to change the signs ?
do these buttheads really believe that a different speed limit will save lives? Tickets thats what they care about here,tickets and control lives saved will be an aftertgought for them wise up fatheads.They could care less about your ass getting run over.
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But someone was on here about a month ago complaining that cops don't write tickets for speeding. Something about coruption or something, I don't know.
I don't have a problem with the number itself. Be it 20, 25, 30.
The issue I have is, like with most regulations, when is enough enough? There is always a "good reason" to put more restrictions on something.
Yes, 20 is safer than 30. But in a few years, im sure someone will come along and say 15 is safer than 20, and then 10 is safer than 15.
Where does it end? when is enough going to be enough?
They are doing this for the bicyclists you nitwits.
Also the Astoria issue is going to be a big problem with the Vallonia Houses on Hallets Pt. An entire block of buildings will need to be razed to make an expressway to the Grand Central for that project. Wonder when those people will find out...
Another gimmick to raise revenue by issuing tickets. Speed bumps work but cost $$ to install.
And Queens Blvd's posted speed is 30 but traffic hits speeds of 55+ mph with no police in sight to stop it.
The more you lower the speed limit and restrict drivers the more people will actually get hurt. If it takes longer and longer for people to get where they have to go the more risky maneuvers drivers will take by blowing lights and stop signs and driving reckless.
If you slow traffic on one block the driver will speed on another block or roll through the next stop sign to make up the time.
Very little enforcement is being done with motor vehicles since cops put vacation days on the line when they write summonses, and loose in traffic court.
Most people are hit by cars when they are jaywalking or crossing against the signal. Why is there no outcry to write jaywalking summonses?
And bicycles are just completely reckless, going the wrong way, on the sidewalk etc and should be banned in the city.
The solution to the astoria intersection is simple: stagger the red light so cars coming off the GCP have the right of way to merge right and get to local streets. Then give the green to cars and trucks on astoria blvd to go. It's really not that fucking hard.
Instead, I'm sure the DOT will place 3 bike lanes in the intersection and a concrete median that will only make the problem 10 times worse.
Anonymous said...
"And bicycles are just completely reckless, going the wrong way, on the sidewalk etc and should be banned in the city."
Banned ?
You are a complete numbnut !
Bikes are a great way to get around the city, including traveling to and from work, shopping, and getting needed exercise. Bike riders should obey the traffic laws and those who don't should be fined.
More death in the city streest last night !
Four more people killed !
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/28/nyregion/4-hit-and-killed-by-cars-in-new-york-city.html?_r=0
When there is bad weather, there will be death. When there is distracted driving or reckless pedestrians or bicyclists, there will be death, when there is road rage, there will be death, when there is alcohol involved, there will be death, when kids are not being supervised, there will be death.
Lowering the speed limit is not going to do a thing about any of it.
"Bikes are a great way to get around the city, including traveling to and from work, shopping, and getting needed exercise. "
Yes let me jump on my bike in 30 degree freezing rain to go 10 miles to my job in Brooklyn from Queens. And then when I need to go food shopping ill figure out a magical way to put 15 bags on my bike.
Unreal the mentality of these bike nuts.
Anonymous said... "Yes let me jump on my bike in 30 degree freezing rain to go 10 miles to my job in Brooklyn from Queens. And then when I need to go food shopping ill figure out a magical way to put 15 bags on my bike."
You can ride the bike in good weather save some money on transit fares or gas, get some needed exercise, and help the environment !
Ever hear of bike racks and panniers ? Do you always buy 15 bags of groceries ?
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