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March 23, 2007
Studies Refute DOT’s Claim That One-Way Avenues Are Safer
StreetsBlog
Last Thursday, DOT Deputy Commissioner Michael Primeggia presented a plan to turn a pair of two-way avenues running through Park Slope, Brooklyn into one-way arterials. The aim of the plan, according to DOT, was to improve pedestrian safety.
Yet, in his presentation to the community the only evidence Primeggia gave to back up his safety claim was a single reference to an avenue in Brooklyn where crashes had declined 15% and total injuries 22% after DOT turned it into a one-way. Primeggia didn't even provide the name of the avenue. "I know that two-way streets are less safe," he said.
A traffic-engineer and planner showed up to refute that notion, armed with facts, studies, and old-fashioned common sense (not the common sense used by tired bureaucrats). He was not allowed to speak last Thursday at the Community Board 6 committee meeting, but StreetsBlog posted his prepared comments anonymously:
I'll focus on just one aspect of the plan -- the significant negative impact it can have on some of Park Slope's most precious but vulnerable citizens, that is, our small children. With PS 321, the magnet school that was PS 10, PS 39, PS 282 and various middle schools, private and parochial schools, more than 3,000 children use Sixth and Seventh Avenues daily to walk to and from school.
One-way street networks can result in more pedestrian accidents, particularly among children. This effect has been noted in a number of transportation studies published in respected academic journals. I'll cite and quote certain relevant reports and articles for your consideration.
It's fascinating stuff, so check out the rest here.
Posted by lumi at March 23, 2007 6:19 AM