A pedestrian safety group is ensuring Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio’s foot stays on the pedal in his drive to eliminate traffic fatalities.
Right of Way, which has pushed its message with guerrilla tactics like spray-painted bike lanes and fake speed limit signs, is launching a clock to monitor traffic deaths in 2014, when de Blasio takes office and can start to implement his safe streets plan, called Vision Zero.
“There will obviously be many competing interests for de Blasio’s attention when he takes office, but with people of all ages being killed in traffic across the 5 boroughs nearly every single day, Vision Zero must remain a top priority,” Right of Way organizer Keegan Stephan said in a statement.
De Blasio’s platform includes an expansion of 20-mph zones, more police enforcement against drivers who speed and fail to yield to pedestrians, and street redesigns.
Right of Way’s “Vision Zero Clock” will determine whether the city is making headway in reducing traffic deaths by comparing the number of pedestrians, cyclists or drivers and passengers killed to the same point in 2013. The clock also includes a social media campaign. A de Blasio transition rep did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
