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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Chris Rosario, Student from Central Park East High School
3:45:23
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Chris Rosario, a high school student from East Harlem, testifies in support of Intro 1138 for universal daylighting in New York City. He argues that daylighting would significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in high-traffic areas like East Harlem.
- Cites East Harlem as having the second-highest traffic injuries in the city according to Spatial Equity NYC
- Provides examples of how daylighting would improve visibility and safety on streets like Lexington Avenue
- References Hoboken, NJ's success in reducing pedestrian and cyclist injuries after implementing similar safety measures
High School Student
3:45:23
afternoon.
3:45:24
My name is Chris Rosario.
3:45:26
I'm a resident of East Harlem, and I attend Central Park East High School in District 8, which has seen the second highest traffic injuries in the city according to Spatial Equity NYC.
3:45:37
As a young person navigating our city streets, I believe that intro November to implementing daylight universal daylighting is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.
3:45:49
East Harlem, like many vibrant and densely populated neighborhoods in Manhattan, faces challenges with pedestrian and cyclist safety at intersections.
3:45:57
The practice of daylighting, keeping the areas around crosswalks clear of parked cars, would be incredibly beneficial here.
3:46:04
On avenues like Lexington Avenue, for example, when there's when there's often heavy foot traffic crossing to access businesses and public transportation, parked cars frequently obstruct a view between pedestrians and drivers.
3:46:19
Implementing daylighting would dramatically improve sight lines at these crucial crossing points, making it much safer for residents, families, and seniors navigating our neighborhood streets.
3:46:29
Clearing those corners means drivers can see pedestrians sooner, and pedestrians can see oncoming traffic more clearly before stepping onto the crosswalk.
3:46:39
We don't have to look too far to see the positive impact of prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist visibility.
3:46:45
In Hoboken, New Jersey, as of 2023, they saw a remarkable 50% reduction in pedestrians seriously injured and collisions with vehicles and a sixty per 67% reduction in bicyclists seriously injured and collisions with the with vehicles.
3:47:02
While these statistics reflect the broader focus on safety, the principle of of improved visibility that daylighting provides is undoubtedly a contributing factor factor to such a to positive outcomes.
3:47:15
Implementing daylighting measures in New York City, including East Harlem's East Harlem and around our schools is a crucial step towards making our streets safer for all.
3:47:24
Thank you for your time and consideration, and please, let's prioritize safety instead of parking space.