QUESTION
Is there evidence that jaywalking laws deter the act, and how do they disproportionately impact Black and Brown New Yorkers?
1:12:23
·
162 sec
Officials explain that while jaywalking should not be completely legalized for safety reasons, jaywalking laws are rarely enforced except against Black and Brown New Yorkers.
- The NYC Department of Transportation supports making jaywalking a civil offense, not criminal
- Pedestrians crossing at expected places helps drivers anticipate their movements and avoid collisions
- The NYPD says jaywalking summonses are rare and mostly given for extreme cases or congestion, not just casual jaywalking
- However, data suggests existing jaywalking enforcement disproportionately targets Black and Brown communities
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
1:12:23
And so going back to the question, is there any evidence that the law actually deters Jay Walking?
1:12:32
And how do we reconcile that with the fact that This law is basically never enforced except against black and brown New Yorkers.
Margaret Forgione
1:12:42
So let me comment a little, and then I'll turn it back over to NYPD.
1:12:46
We are also concerned about this issue that you're raising, and that is why we believe or we support having Jaywalking be a civil offense, not a criminal offense.
1:12:57
However, just stating that Jaywalking is totally legal, we believe very strongly that's the wrong message to send to New Yorkers.
1:13:06
Right?
1:13:07
You know, every user, as the chief said, has a responsibility, motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, everybody has to do the part to keep themselves safe and to keep others safe.
1:13:18
So pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk at the expected time and in the expected place is better for everyone else on the road, motorists, in particular, to know where to expect them.
1:13:31
When a pedestrian steps out mid block or sometimes we see pedestrians walking on highways, places like that that they are not expected, that catches a driver unaware and increases the chance of something happening to that pedestrian.
1:13:45
So we feel very strongly we should not legalize this and send the message out that it's okay to walk anywhere at any time.
Deputy Chief Thomas Alps
1:13:54
Yeah.
1:13:54
So We're in agreement with that.
1:13:58
That stands.
1:14:00
In in my experience as a police officer, The vast majority of times when police officer witnesses Jay Walking in a screen extreme case where someone is almost struck or it's causing a congestion issue.
1:14:15
It's a conversation between the police officer and and that person.
1:14:20
And it rarely ever leads to a summons as the data suggests.
1:14:25
But at times, there is a summons that take place.
1:14:28
If that is not well received or it's not taken that option, that level of option, to hold someone accountable, that could cause injury, to another, I think needs to be in place.
1:14:46
And there's gotta be a level of expectation as people navigate the roadway.
1:14:50
We all follow the same rules and keep each other safe.
1:14:53
It can't be just haphazard.
1:14:55
Let's do as we will.
1:14:58
So I think we're in lockstep NYPD and DOT and and our understanding of this.