Mass Bike Ride Set to Demand Safer Streets in NYC

WEST VILLAGE, NY — A sea of cyclists are set to take to city streets next week to demand immediate action on hundreds of dangerous intersections identified by Vision Zero.

Seventeen cyclists and 74 pedestrians — 29 in hit-and-run accidents — have been killed on city streets this year, according to Transportation Alternatives. On Sept. 15, Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets will hold a mass bike ride from East 59th Street and Fifth Avenue to Washington Square Park to demonstrate their concerns for bicycle safety in the city.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero plan — intended to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2024 — is working to improve the safety of city streets. Vision Zero has expanded enforcement against dangerous moving violations, implemented new street designs and configurations to improve safety, conducted broad public outreach and communications, and increased penalties for dangerous drivers.

The total number of traffic deaths have decreased since de Blasio's been in office, yet according to the Manhattan Institute, the number of deaths are on the rise in 2016. In 2015, 15 people were killed on bikes in NYC. This year, that number was surpassed before Labor Day.

Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets are holding the bike ride in an attempt to get de Blasio's attention and send the message that they demand safe passage. Riders want de Blasio to take immediate action to fund and fast-track protected bike lanes and safeguard pedestrian crossings for all of the 446 Vision Zero Priority Corridors and Intersections. Nearly half of this year's cycling fatalities have occurred in these "Priority" locations, according to Transportation Alternatives.

“We’re riding to send a send a message that the City is off course in its Vision Zero effort to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2024,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

So far, 980 people have said they will be attending on the event's Facebook page: "We Ride Together: Mass Bike Ride to Demand Safe passage for Cyclists & Pedestrians." Bikers are asked to meet at 6 p.m. at the Fountain of Pamona at East 59th St and Fifth Ave. Riders are also asked to wear yellow. The ride will begin at 6:30 p.m. For those not wanting to ride but still participate, they can join the group riding at the start or end location.

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