The streets of New York will be made safer: the authorities approved a restructuring plan for $ 1,7 billion

New York City plans to triple the number of bike lanes to make streets safer. The city made this decision because of the frequent deaths of cyclists: in 2019, at least 25 people died on the streets of the metropolis, the newspaper writes. NBC 4 New York.

According to lawyers for the dead cyclists, the city needs protected bike lanes. The relevant changes will be provided by the bill approved by the city council on October 13th.

City Council speaker Corey Johnson says he drew up a street master plan after he heard appeals from dozens of mournful relatives of those who died or were injured in the streets of New York.

“We must do everything in our power to promote sustainable modes of transport, especially since the realities of climate change are becoming increasingly gloomy every day. This plan will make New York a much more attractive and enjoyable place to call it home, ”Johnson said.

What is planned to be done as part of the general plan

As part of a five-year plan worth $ 1,7 billion, it is planned to add 155 km of protected bike lanes, almost 100 km of protected bus lanes and to ensure priority buses at 1000 intersections.

“Johnson’s plan includes the reconstruction of signal crossroads, the addition of pedestrian signals and pedestrian areas, which will prevent cars from entering. And this is only the first stage of the plan, which they plan to implement by December 2021 of the year, ”the source notes.

The master plan was approved by voting on Wednesday, October 30, with two abstentions.

Supporters of the bill say the changes will make the streets safer for all New Yorkers.

The son of Harold and Debbie Kahn, Seth, died in 2009 from a bus hit on West 53 Street. They joined Johnson on Tuesday, October 29, to express their support for the bill.

“Ten surreal agonizing years — we will never know what he would have achieved in his life if he had been given the chance to live,” Harold Kahn said.

On the subject: Two deaths per day: New York roads are becoming increasingly dangerous for cyclists

In total, in 2019, at least 25 cyclists died on the streets of New York, and lawyers say the city really needs protected bike lanes.

Drivers, on the other hand, fear that authorities have gone too far with regard to restrictions on vehicle drivers. In their view, more bike lanes and pedestrian areas will increase traffic jams.

“As a driver, you cannot get anywhere with all these bike lanes. This is a problem, ”says truck driver Kumar Small.

At the same time, changes that are already in effect on city streets include a ban on cars in the bus lane on 14 Street. The rule has been in force since the beginning of October and receives very positive feedback from passengers.