Good Afternoon. My name is Elizabeth Ernish, and I represent Transportation Alternatives, a 4,000 New York City citizens' group working for better walking, cycling and mass transit. I am also speaking for the Neighborhood Streets Network, a coalition of community groups and block associations the want quieter, safer, friendlier neighborhood streets. I am here today to comment on SLR 36, the Slow Speed legislation.

First, the current state of pedestrian safety. 249 pedestrians were killed last year after getting hit by motor vehicles, and over 35 a day were sent to the hospital. This death and injury toll is the direct result of the chaos on our streets-twice as many people are hit crossing in the crosswalk with the "WALK" signal than crossing against it. Speeding, red-light running and failing to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk is rampant. It is especially frightening when you keep in mind that the number one cause of death and injury for New York City children ages 5-14 is getting hit by a car.

Increased safety is not just matter of money. According to Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro New York City spent nearly 75 million dollars over a four-year period on pedestrian enhancements. Yet fatality and injury rates stayed the same.

Under ISTEA 2, the City of New York could qualify for millions of dollars for traffic calming projects. Changes such as wider sidewalks, elevated crosswalks and raised medians would make it easier and safer to walk around New York. Unfortunately even with increased funds, arcane state law prevents true traffic calming on our streets. In 1997, the NYC DOT installed an unprecedented 120 traffic calming devices knows as "speed humps" because of the state law, the humps are engineered to allow speeds of 30 mph. This speed is fine for many avenues but is inappropriately high for many neighborhood streets.

Last term, the state Assembly introduced bills that would allow New York City to set speed limits on streets with traffic calming devices at any level below 30 mph - the current state mandated minimum. However, before there is any more progress in Albany, the City Council must support the legislation via a home rule message by immediately. I urge you to express your support for this "slow-speed" legislation to the City Council.