Several years ago, the Mayor of New York City all but declared war on pedestrian accidents within the city. He launched an aggressive campaign designed to put an end to pedestrian fatalities by the year 2020. Several other cities around the country followed suit, implementing like programs and making noticeable changes in speed limits, street design and other elements to keep people on foot safe.

For a while, the Mayor’s plan appeared to be working, but a new report by The New York Times indicates that 2019 represented a backward slide in this effort. To make matters worse, it was not only pedestrians who experienced a tragic and deadly year last year, but bicyclists and motorists as well. Overall traffic fatalities in New York City increased from 38 in 2018 to 44 in 2019. Cyclist and pedestrian fatalities both increased in 2019 compared to 2018.

The city does have plans to continue improving safety for people on foot and on bikes, with an estimated 250 miles of dedicated bike lanes to be created. Starting next year, motorists who wish to drive within a certain area of Manhattan must pay a fee to do so. The city wants to reduce the number of cars driven in the most congested areas to provide better routes and increased safety to cyclists and pedestrians.

If you would like to learn more about the importance of seeking help after you or someone you love has been involved in an accident caused by a negligent driver, please feel free to visit the cyclist’s and pedestrian’s assistance page of our New York personal injury website.