Transportation Alternatives, New York City’s advocates for pedestrian safety, has long urged Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to immediately pass A04111, a bill enabling the use of speed enforcement cameras in New York City. Speed cameras in Washington D.C. reduced speeding and traffic fatalities by 75% and 30% respectively, over a two year period.

Yesterday, a speeding drunk motorist killed Arthur and Sylvia Horowitz as they were crossing Bay Parkway in Brooklyn. The 1.8 mile stretch of Bay Parkway between the Shore Parkway and 65th street is infamous for its speeding, particularly where motorists exit from the Shore Parkway. The neighborhoods around Bay Parkway also house a high concentration of senior citizens, who are particularly vulnerable to speeders. Citywide, seniors account for 13% of the population but represent 33% of pedestrians that are struck and killed by motor vehicles. (according to DOT commissioner Iris Weinshall, “Seniors out for Safety”, NYC DOT, 2004)

According to State DOT crash statistics, between 1995 and 2001 192 pedestrians were struck and injured by motor vehicles at intersections and midblocks along this 1.8 mile stretch of Bay Parkway. According to Paul S. White, the Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives:

“Comparatively, the 1.75 mile stretch of Queens Boulevard (“The Boulevard of Death”) between Van Dam and the BQE saw 248 pedestrian injuries during the same period. This is not apples to apples, however, as Queens Blvd. carries much greater quantities of both walkers and vehicles.”

Before New York City can use speed cameras, a state law authorizing their use must be passed. Such legislation passed the State Senate in 2001, but has been opposed by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Added White:
“For purely political reasons, Sheldon Silver has repeatedly opposed all types of automated traffic enforcement that has been shown time and time again to reduce crashes. Silver owes it to New Yorkers to put the brakes on dangerous drivers by passing speed camera legislation.”

For more information about speed enforcement cameras, and their use in New York City, read T.A.’s 2003 report Slowing Speeds, Saving Lives at http://www.transalt.org/campaigns/reclaiming/slowingspeeds.html