├── CONTRIBUTING.md ├── lead_pedestrian_interval.md ├── README.md ├── automated_enforcement.md ├── safely_passing_bicycles.md ├── pedestrian_signals.md ├── legislation.md └── cyclists_with_cameras.md /CONTRIBUTING.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | Any proposed change should have a reference for locations that are ahead of NYC in that area (the more the better), links to concrete law/ordinance/regulation (proposed or enacted) and a summary of benefits or motivations. 2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /lead_pedestrian_interval.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # Lead Pedestrian Interval 2 | 3 | * [Carlos Menchaca - Int 1072-2016](http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2564366&GUID=D4E7E09A-5B98-4C14-BAC8-A9D242408B2) 4 | * [Carlos Menchaca - Int 1457-2019 ](https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3872945&GUID=DDBE2BA8-D100-4661-B9D1-00B9E367B25C) 5 | * [brooklynspoke on LPI changes](http://brooklynspoke.com/2016/02/05/council-member-carlos-menchaca-let-cyclists-go-on-lpis/) 6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /README.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # Make NYC Streets Safe 2 | 3 | This Repository is focused changes that promote safe streets in line with [Vision Zero](http://www.nyc.gov/VisionZero) initiatives in NYC and around the world. The primary focus is on tools for enforcement and creating a comprehensive overview of potential changes to NY and NYC law. Changes that are directly focused on changing mode share away from private vehicles which has a side effect of improved safety may also be listed here. 4 | 5 | ## Get Involved 6 | 7 | There are lots of organizations that are doing good work. Some that are focused on these topics are: 8 | 9 | * [Transportation Alternatives](https://www.transalt.org/) 10 | * [Families for Safe Streets](http://familiesforsafestreets.org/) 11 | 12 | Have a specific idea, or additional information to contribute to an existing one? open an issue or Pull Request. 13 | 14 | ## Topics 15 | 16 | * [Cyclists With Cameras](cyclists_with_cameras.md) - A movement to help TLC regulate illegal driver behavior, primarily blocking bike lanes. 17 | * [Pedestrian Signals](pedestrian_signals.md) - Improve legal definition of pedestrian Right Of Way 18 | * [Safely Passing Bicycles](safely_passing_bicycles.md) - Improve legal requirement for safe passing of cyclists 19 | * [Lead Pedestrian Interval](lead_pedestrian_interval.md) - Allow cyclists to cross intersection on LPI 20 | * [Legislation](legislation.md) - Laws I would like to see added/removed/changed 21 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /automated_enforcement.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | Automated Enforcement is impartial and proven to increase safety. 2 | 3 | ## Proposed Changes 4 | 5 | * [Res 1075-2016](http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2735495&GUID=001712B5-4779-47F8-AE0B-FB6B85F4F14E) Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would eliminate the cap on the number of speed cameras allowed to be deployed in school zones in New York City and remove the authorizing law’s sunset provision. 6 | * [A09486A](http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A09486&term=2015&Summary=Y&Actions=Y) 7 | Eliminates the time of day limitations on the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in school zones in the city of New York; eliminates the expiration and repeal of provisions of law authorizing the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in school zones in such city. 8 | * [S07776A](http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A09861&term=2015&Summary=Y&Actions=Y) Relates to establishing photo speed monitoring systems in school speed zones and to the effectiveness thereof. 9 | * [S07213](http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=S07213&term=2015&Summary=Y&Actions=Y) Authorizes the city of New York to install photo speed violation monitoring systems in every school zone in such city; eliminates the expiration and repeal of the provisions of law authorizing such city to install and operate such systems. 10 | * [S08106](http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=S08106&term=2015&Summary=Y&Actions=Y) Relates to photo speed violation monitoring systems in school speed zones in NYC. (increase to 200 cameras from 20) 11 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /safely_passing_bicycles.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # Safely Passing Bicycles 2 | 3 | ## Summary 4 | 5 | In 1973 Wisconsin became the first state to enact such a law. 1 state has a 4ft passing law, 25 states have a 3ft passing law, 19 states (including NY) have general "safe distance" laws. 6 | 7 | ## Gold Standards 8 | 9 |  **Pennsylvania** [*75 Pa.C.S. § 3303*](pa-law) Pass to the left of the pedalcycle within not less than four (4) feet at a careful and prudent reduced speed. 10 | 11 |  **New Hampshire** [*RSA 265:143-a*](nh-law) Leave a reasonable and prudent distance between the vehicle and the bicycle. The distance shall be presumed to be reasonable and prudent if it is at least three (3) feet when the vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less, with one additional foot of clearance required for every 10 miles per hour above 30 miles per hour. 12 | 13 | [pa-law]: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=33&sctn=3&subsctn=0 14 | [nh-law]: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/265/265-143-a.htm 15 | 16 | ## New York 17 | 18 | *NY CLS Veh. & Tr. § 1122-a* The operator of a vehicle overtaking, from behind, a bicycle proceeding on the same side of a roadway shall pass to the left of such bicycle at a safe distance until safely clear thereof. 19 | 20 | ## References 21 | 22 | * http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/safely-passing-bicyclists.aspx 23 | * http://bikeleague.org/content/model-safe-passing-law-0 24 | 25 | 26 | ## Enforcement 27 | 28 | * Chattanooga, Tennessee uses a Bike mounted ultrasonic sensor by [Codaxus](http://codaxus.com/) - http://www.citylab.com/tech/2015/06/a-nifty-device-to-stop-cars-from-driving-too-close-to-bikes/397055/ 29 | * Ottawa and 10 other cities using sonar (C3FT) to detect passing too close. https://www.fastcoexist.com/3062184/world-changing-ideas/this-bike-sonar-catches-drivers-who-drive-too-closely-to-cyclists 30 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /pedestrian_signals.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # Pedestrian ROW 2 | 3 | ## Flashing Do-Not-Walk Signals & Countdown Phase 4 | 5 | By technical definition, Pedestrian Right of Way (ROW) has been deteriorated by addition of walk signals which removed from pedestrian ROW the phase where a walk signal was flashing. Countdown clocks which can often cover a full signal to cross a 5 or 6 lane road and further eroded ROW as the flashing countdown phase (which can be 30 seconds!) is not considered part of pedestrian ROW. 6 | 7 | Put another way, pedestrians **only** have ROW during the white walk phase. You many not begin or be crossing the street at any other time. 8 | 9 | This is important because it puts the burden of safety on pedestrians instead of on motorists, and in practice it stops DA's from charging RoW under other laws enacted to bolster Vision Zero [src](https://twitter.com/BicyclesOnly/status/663491830898642944). 10 | 11 | Motorists & cyclists can enter intersection on a yellow signal, Pedestrians can only enter on white which puts undue safety burden on pedestrians. [src](https://twitter.com/BicyclesOnly/status/663504156041285633) 12 | 13 | If at an intersection w/clock, pedestrian must get past median + 1/2 way to far curb on white, or wait at median for the next signal cycle. This means many intersections take multiple signal cycles to cross legally. [src](https://twitter.com/BicyclesOnly/status/663507440823046145) 14 | 15 | 16 | ### Proposed Changes 17 | 18 | * [Int 0997-2015](http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2513767&GUID=A9FE4C8E-FFBC-46D5-B03B-B27234A248A5) - This legislation would provide the right of way to pedestrians crossing from a median when a numerical countdown clock has already begun to count down. Introduced by NYC Public Advocate [Letitia James](https://twitter.com/TishJames) 19 | * [Int 0876-2015](http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2404426&GUID=F4AC303D-2B03-4EB3-91E1-79BFDEF47496) require NYPD to report on enforcement of ROW violations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /legislation.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # Legislation 2 | 3 | This outlines possible legislative changes that would help promote cycling, reduce car ownership, and promote VisionZero 4 | 5 | ## Equality With Driving 6 | 7 | These are changes (primarily fine adjustments) that bring balance to how the law applies the same restriction to cyclists and drivers. Cyclists should not be more restricted than drivers as that creates dis-insentive to shift mode share away from personal vehicles. 8 | 9 | * Remove restriction on children under 1yr on bikes (vehicles have no matching restriction) - see VTL 1238 http://ypdcrime.com/vt/article34.htm#t1238. 10 | * Adjust/remove restriction on "carrier" for children age one through five - see VTL 1238. (Restriction for vehicles is only for under age four or 40lbs with taxi/bus excemptions - VTL 1229-c http://www.safeny.ny.gov/seat-vt.htm). It's reasonable to have a bike related carrier restriction for under the age of two. 11 | * Cycling on sidewalk - remove criminal summons, make a traffic violation . 4-07(c)(3)(i) 12 | * Cycling on sidewalk << driving on sidewalk 13 | * Electric cars are legal, but not pedal-assisted e-bikes 14 | 15 | ## Close Vehicle Loopholes 16 | 17 | * Fines for obstructed/missing/bent license plate should be >> speeding tickets. Suggested: >$300 (see NY VTL 402(b)) 18 | * Illegal License plate cover indicates intention to speed or run red lights. This should be a higher fine than general obstructed license plate. Suggested >$500 19 | * "failure to display muni-receipt" should escalate so it doesn't provide cheap parking. second or third offense should be >$250 20 | * The city wide speed limit is 25mph, but drivers can exceed that by 40% before potentially getting a ticket. Reduce the buffer before ticketing for speed limits 35mph and lower to 5mph over. 21 | * There is no law that restricts driving in a parking lane, meaning it's ok for vehicles to use it as a second lane when and where they feel like it. 22 | * License plate covers might be illegal, but selling or installing them is not (including 'bumper' devices that obstruct side view of license plate). Some auto shops advertise installing "hideaway license plates" see: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTT4zYGBpk4/?taken-by=pnaautosport 23 | * NY VTL 375 1.(a) - horn must not be "unnecessarily loud or harsh". This should be a quantifyable decible level as measure a specific distance from the vehicle. (It would be ok if there is a separate volume limit that would apply to horns restricted to use above 50mph) 24 | * Selling or installing horns above volume limit should also be illegal 25 | 26 | ## Add Missing Laws and Make Sane Adjustments 27 | 28 | * There is no law requiring drivers to park close to the curb. Extending out into traffic (including bike lanes) doesn't have any associated fine. Require parking within 12 inches of curb (or other parking line closest to curb) 29 | * No set fine for Illegal 53' trailers means no enforcement, set $1500 fine - http://on.ny.gov/2kHPxcJ 30 | * No set fine for obstructed view of road VTL 375(30) (aka things mounted above the dashboard). Set $200 fine. 31 | * limit bike sales to 'street legal' bikes (aka must have lights and bell to be sold). This effectively makes dynamo lights standard and greately limits the ability for NYPD to target cyclists w/o either. See 1236 32 | * 1237 - hand signals required - there should be an exemption for when it's unsafe (at the riders sole discretion) 33 | * VTL 4–12(p)(3) - cyclists should be more clearly allowed to ride in any lane they deem safe, regardless of road width. 34 | 35 | 36 | ## Do The Right Thing (but it will take some serious guts) 37 | 38 | * Set targets to end subsidized car parking - Set specific targets for to phasing out un-metered or free-permited parking provided by any city agency (This covers any city owned lot, or street parking). DOT should reduce the amount of subsidized parking by 15% of total available parking each year. This applies indipendently for each borough. 39 | * Visibility standards for trucks. Model after London's work to phase out trucks with low visibility. It should spur enough change even if applied to just the CBD. This works by permitting vehicles and steadily increasing permits for unsafe classes of vehicles. 40 | * Move traffic enforcement out from NYPD, and either under DOT, or a new city agency 41 | * Remove vehicle parking minimums, set bike parking minimums 42 | * Set vehicle parking maximums 43 | * GPS enforced speed limits. Technology is advanced enough to have self-driving cars, we have had cruise control for practically a hundred years (seriously, it's been almost 30 years). It's fine if we require simple GPS limiting of speed. (As a bonus, this eventually means no need for speed cameras). This should be a requirement for new vehicles after X date, and a requirement for vehicles owned by the city, and then higher tolls/tax/registration, etc for vehicles w/o this. 44 | * many smaller tolls better than single larger ticket tolls. 45 | * Diesel kills (this is why the emissions cheating for diesel recently was such a bad thing). Tax it generously. We know prices >$4 change behaviour. Add a $1/gal "clean air" tax. 46 | * Ban sale of gas or diesel vehicles - https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/26/world/europe/uk-diesel-petrol-emissions.html https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-quality-plan-for-nitrogen-dioxide-no2-in-uk-2017 47 | * Require HOV4+ entering CBD, and HOV on all other major crossing into manhattan during "air quality alert" days. (HOV4+ restrictions were effectively used during transit strike of 2005) 48 | 49 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /cyclists_with_cameras.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # Cyclists With Cameras 2 | 3 | The TLC in NYC accepts reports from the general public of misconduct by drivers of Taxis and For Hire Vehicles (FHV). Based on reports it can levy fine drivers, and is willing to do so for traffic violations including blocking bicycle lanes. A growing movement to use this as a tool for increasing enforcement and improving cyclist and pedestrian safety has become known as [#CyclistsWithCameras](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CyclistswithCameras?src=hash) 4 | 5 | ## Legal Basis 6 | 7 | The T&LC has authority to enforce NY State Vehicle Traffic Laws (VTL) and NYC DOT Traffic Regulations in relation to Taxi Drivers and For-Hire Drivers. The rules describing this are TLC Commission Rule §80-13(a)(1) and §80-13(a)(1) (see below). There are also more specific TLC regulations, with specific fines, that regulate actions. 8 | 9 | ## NY Vehicle Traffic Law (VTL) 10 | 11 | http://ypdcrime.com/vt/title7.htm 12 | 13 | * 1126 - no passing zone 14 | * 1160(a) - (no right from center lane) http://ypdcrime.com/vt/article28.htm#t1160 15 | * 1160(b) - (no left from center lane when both two-way streets) http://ypdcrime.com/vt/article28.htm#t1160 16 | * 1160(c) - (no left from center lane at one-way street) http://ypdcrime.com/vt/article28.htm#t1160 17 | * 375(30) - (no obstructed view of road) 18 | * 1225-c(2) - (cell-phone use while driving) 19 | 20 | ## NYC DOT Traffic Regulations 21 | 22 | http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trafrule.pdf 23 | 24 | * 4-05(b)(1) - (no u-turns in business district) The operator of any vehicle shall not make a U-turn upon any street in a business district 25 | * 4-07(b)(2) - (blocking intersection and crosswalks) No operator shall enter an intersection and its crosswalks unless there is sufficient unobstructed space beyond the intersection and its crosswalks in the lane in which he/she is traveling to accommodate the vehicle, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed. 26 | * 4-08(e)(3) - (no parking on sidewalks) General no stopping zones - sidewalks 27 | * 4-08(e)(9) - (no stopping in bike lane) No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle Within a designated bicycle lane. 28 | * 4-11(c)(6) - (no pickup or discharge of passengers in bike lane) picking up or discharging passengers shall not be made: Within a bicycle lane. 29 | * 4-12(p)(2) - (no driving in bike lane) Driving on or across bicycle lanes prohibited - No person shall drive a vehicle on or across a designated bicycle lane, except when it is reasonable and necessary: (to enter or leave a driveway; to enter or leave a legal curbside parking space; to cross an intersection; to make a turn within an intersection; to comply with the direction of any law enforcement officer or other person authorized to enforce this rule; to avoid an obstacle which leaves fewer than ten feet available for the free movement of vehicular traffic.) Notwithstanding any other rule, no person shall drive a vehicle on or across a designated bicycle lane in such manner as to interfere with the safety and passage of persons operating bicycles thereon. 30 | * 4-12(i) - (no honking in non-danger situations) Horn for danger only - No person shall sound the horn of a vehicle except when necessary to warn a person or animal of danger. 31 | * 4-12(m) - (no driving in bus & right turn only lane) When signs are erected giving notice of bus lane 32 | restrictions, no person shall drive a vehicle other than a bus within a designated bus lane during the 33 | restricted hours except: (1) permitted right turn, (2) approach or leave the curbside space, (3) expeditiously receiving or discharging passengers, (4) to avoid an obstacle, (5) to comply with direction from law enforcement. 34 | With respect to the exceptions in paragraphs one through four of this subdivision, a vehicle may not 35 | be operated in the bus lane during restricted hours for more than two hundred feet 36 | 37 | Other indexes of applicable laws: 38 | 39 | * http://www.nyu.edu/life/sustainability/areas-of-focus/transportation/biking-at-nyu/nyc-bike-laws.html 40 | 41 | ## TLC Commission Rules 42 | 43 | http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/rule_book_current_chapter_80.pdf (effective after 10/26/2016) 44 | 45 | * 80-13(a) - Drivers of Taxicabs, For-Hire Vehicles and Street Hail Liveries must comply with all applicable traffic laws, rules, and regulations. 46 | 80-13(a)(1) Laws, rules or regulations governing stationary vehicles. 47 | 80-13(a)(2) Laws, rules or regulations governing moving vehicles. 48 | * 80-12(e) 49 | * 80-13(a)(3)(ix) - Yield sign violation 50 | * 80-13(a)(3)(iii) - Following too closely (tailgating) 51 | * 80-13(a)(3)(vii) - Traffic signal violation 52 | * 80-13(a)(3)(viii) - Stop signal violation 53 | * 80-13(a)(3)(xi) - Improper passing 54 | * 80-13(a)(3)((xii)) - Unsafe lange chnage 55 | * 80-13(a)(3)(xiii) - Driving left of center 56 | * 80-13(a)(3)(xiv) - Driving in wrong direction 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | ## The TLC Report Process 61 | 62 | https://bit.ly/FHV-Complaint or https://bit.ly/Taxi-Complaint 63 | 64 | Select "Is Reckless or Unsafe" to begin the complaint form. 65 | 66 | **"Step 1: What"** There is a description field to list the complaint. Be specific. Include context on the situation, how you were affected, or your relation to the situation, and the specific complaint (it's helpful to reference the law your are complaining about), for example: 67 | 68 | > Taxi driver stopped in bike lane, dangerously forcing bikers (including myself) into traffic lane,in violation of NYC Traffic Rules 4-08(e)(9) (no stopping in bike lane) & Commission Rule 80-13(a)(1). Pictures included. 69 | 70 | **Step 4:** Before submit you have the opportunity to review the details of your complaint. Scroll down. You can attach up to 3 files. The total size of all attachments must be under 5M, so resize as appropriate. 71 | 72 | You will receive a confirmation page w/ your 311 report number. You will also receive an email confirmation. Make a note of this number. You will use it to reference this complaint when communicating with the TLC. 73 | 74 | The TLC will assign an investigator who will contact you (typically via phone) to review the complaint. If the investigator agrees with your complaint, the TLC will issue a summons and will notify you if the driver pleads guilty or if a hearing is scheduled. 75 | 76 | If a hearing is scheduled you will need to testify via phone, but do not worry the TLC will walk you through that process (and it boils down to swearing in and reading your complaint). 77 | 78 | ## Keeping Notes - Tips & Tricks 79 | 80 | It's easy to get things mixed up when you file complaints. Here are some Tips to help: 81 | 82 | * Write down your complaint, the location (cross streets), time of incident, and the license plate number down before submitting online. Copy & paste this info into the appropriate fields when submitting your complaint. This makes sure you have a copy of your complaint after you submit it (The 311 system won't give you a copy of what you submit). 83 | * Write what you were doing (biking, walking, etc) to help job your memory about your relation to the incident. 84 | * Save relevant photos and videos in one spot with your notes. 85 | * When you have conversations with the TLC make a note of them. 86 | * If you are not sure about a license plate number (i.e. if your photo is blurry) use the FHV license plate lookup. If you find a match, google search the VIN number and make sure that it's the right make and model vehicle. 87 | * Good cameras to help gather evidence backing your complaints are the [Contour ROAM](https://www.amazon.com/Contour-ROAM3-Waterproof-Video-Camera/dp/B00METYIQ2) or [Garmin Virb Elite](https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/action-cameras/virb-elite/prod119594.html). You can set these to take photos every 1second as photo evidence is much easier to work with than video (and takes up much less space). 88 | 89 | Techniques for organizing notes: 90 | 91 | * **Email**: When you get the email confirmation from 311, forward it to yourself with your complaint text, the location, the time, and the license plate number, and any relevant photos. Any future activity relevant to a complaint can be noted by replying to that email thread. You can then search your email for relevant complaint numbers when you need to pull up information. 92 | * **Folders**: If you have a large number of photos or videos, it may be easier to create a folder for each complaint. [cwc](https://github.com/jehiah/cwc) is a collection of utilities I use to manage complaint information which follows this pattern. It boils down to creating a folder named with the date and time, and license plate number. 93 | 94 | ## Other Useful Resources 95 | 96 | * [FHV License Plate Lookup](https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Transportation/For-Hire-Vehicles-FHV-Active-and-Inactive-Vehicles/8wbx-tsch) - NYC Open Data 97 | * [Yellow Medallion Taxicabs (Vehicles) Lookup](https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Transportation/Medallion-Vehicles-Authorized/rhe8-mgbb) - NYC Open Data 98 | * Another writeup of [the TLC Complaint process](http://bit.ly/1lyjrPj) 99 | * [Reported](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reported/id916072964?mt=8) iOS App 100 | * [cwc](https://github.com/jehiah/cwc) a set of utilities for managing complaint data 101 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------