PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Laura Shepherd, Queens Organizer at Transportation Alternatives and Chair of Environment, Parks, and Recreation Committee at Queens Community Board 2
6:42:11
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127 sec
Laura Shepherd, representing Transportation Alternatives and Queens Community Board 2, testified in opposition to Intro 606 and in support of Intro 1131. She emphasized the need for better infrastructure to improve road safety for all users, particularly vulnerable populations.
- Criticized Intro 606 as vague, broad, and potentially harmful to cyclists and pedestrians
- Highlighted the importance of protected bike infrastructure in reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities
- Called for universal daylighting, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks to enhance safety for all road users
Laura Shepherd
6:42:11
Alright.
6:42:12
I'm Laura Shepherd, a lifelong Queen's resident and now proud Queen's organizer at Transportation Alternatives.
6:42:18
I also chair the Environment, Parks and Recreation Committee on Queen's Community Board 2, but right now I'm only speaking for myself.
6:42:25
I'm here to oppose intro 606 and support intro 1131.
6:42:29
My fellow activists, colleagues, and I have organized too many vigils for vulnerable road users, pedestrians, and cyclists, including e bike riders.
6:42:38
Some of whom were working cyclists.
6:42:40
These are painful and difficult, so we work tirelessly every day to build a city where this doesn't happen to anyone.
6:42:46
We empathize and support all victims of traffic violence and have a proven track record of advocating for proven solutions.
6:42:54
We oppose intro 606 because it's laughably vague, broad, and wouldn't work as wouldn't work as written, and would harm all cyclists and pedestrians especially vulnerable populations.
6:43:06
NYPD fails to solve most hit and run cases and a minuscule percentage of those even involve e bikes.
6:43:13
We know what works, infrastructure.
6:43:15
So thank you, chair for introducing 1131.
6:43:18
No one likes getting close past at any speed.
6:43:21
Our city is disturbingly behind on building the legally required bike lane miles laid out in the NYC streets plan, and it's taking a pathetically long time to open the Queensborough Bridge South Outer Walkway, where commuters are routinely injured as a result of substandard facilities.
6:43:37
When protected bike infrastructure is installed, all crashes, injuries, and fatalities decrease, especially amongst pedestrians and especially amongst senior pedestrians.
6:43:48
We have the data.
6:43:50
Throughout the city, we are all squeezed by the amount of space allocated to cars and trucks, the primary drivers of traffic violence in New York City.
6:43:58
Vulnerable road users trying to get around safely are still sometimes forced onto sidewalks by unsafe street designs and reckless vehicle drivers.
6:44:06
At corners, we need universal daylighting to improve visibility, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks to help people cross safely and protect all road users.
6:44:15
I'll submit the right Thank you.
6:44:17
Rest in writing.
6:44:17
Thank you.
