Do you ever think about the image of the Big Apple?
You know, NYC is “the best,” but the truth is, at times other cities outshine us.
Well you have to take your hat off to the City Department of Transportation for at least one initiative.
DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan has announced the city is going to install 1,500 countdown traffic clocks at intersections, all in an effort to lower pedestrian deaths.
The signals may not sound like much, but countdown on this. For years, New York City, yes, the Big Apple has lagged years behind other major cities in getting such clocks.
At the Democratic National Convention in Denver I looked around and saw countdown clocks. Days later at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, it was the same thing.
As someone who grew up not far from Fordham Road in the Bronx, these signals are no joke. They save lives and will be of great assistance, telling pedestrians
1) How long they have to cross.
2) To Take the guesswork out of crossing.
The city is also greatly expanding the number of 20 mph zones around schools. The number of zones will grow to 175 by the end of next year, from 25 earlier this year.
Mayor Bloomberg announced the new countdown signals would be phased in starting this month after a pilot program at 24 intersections. Commissioner Sadik-Khan summed it up this way.
“Crossing the street shouldn't just be a judgment call."
Placement will be throughout the five boroughs. Score one for Good Government!