Queens Boulevard & Pedestrian Safety By Alex Chambers, Mei Chan, Robert Jacob, John McHale, Sean Swearman

About Queens Boulevard It stretches from northwest to southeast across more than half of Queens. At 7.2 miles long and at some points 16 lanes wide it is one of the most dangerous roads in New York City. It was built in the early 20 th century and its purpose was to connect the 59 st bridge with central Queens.It stretches from northwest to southeast across more than half of Queens. At 7.2 miles long and at some points 16 lanes wide it is one of the most dangerous roads in New York City. It was built in the early 20 th century and its purpose was to connect the 59 st bridge with central Queens. Queens

“The Boulevard of Death” According to Transportation Alternatives, an activist group in NY, 875 people were injured from on Queens Boulevard From there have been 72 pedestrian fatalities on Queens Boulevard There have been over 27,000 reported automotive accidents on Queens Boulevard from

Right turns while pedestrians have the right away. Problem: In NY right turns are allowed on a green light, at the same time that pedestrians have the “walk” signal. Although the pedestrians have the right away, many impatient drivers to attempt to squeeze through the stream of people crossing, which is very unsafe.

Right turn Arrows Solution: Right turn arrows at all lights (similar to the Left turns arrows already implemented.) This would allow pedestrians and motorists to use the intersection at separate times, therefore not clashing with each other.

How it works The pedestrian is given the right to begin crossing before the vehicle traffic on the parallel street is given the green turning arrow. One of the most effective ways to decrease crashes that involve motor vehicles and pedestrians is to separate them in time. Pedestrians and motor vehicles can be separated in time by allowing the pedestrians to walk first, followed by the right turn arrow.

Pedestrian Countdown Signals Traditional Walk/Don’t Walk –walking signal –flashing don’t walk –confusing Pedestrian Countdown Display –numerical countdown –solid don’t walk –reassuring

JAYWALKERS BEWARE! Jaywalking is defined as walking across a street outside of marked cross-walks and not at a corner, and/or against a signal light

Jaywalking in NYC Prior to 1998, a jaywalking summons was $2 A jaywalking offense was rarely ever issued unless the perpetrator posed a risk to himself or the public In 1998 Mayor Rudy Giuliani started a crackdown on jaywalking offenders

How Does Increased Jaywalking Enforcement Help? Serves as a deterrent Less pedestrian exposure to dangerous situations Limits interaction between pedestrians and vehicles

Thank You Questions and comments