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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Monica Bartley, Board Member of Disabled in Action, on Intro 1138 and Daylighting

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Monica Bartley, a board member of Disabled in Action and wheelchair user, testifies in support of Intro 1138, which would prohibit parking within 20 feet of crosswalks and require daylighting barriers. She emphasizes the importance of this legislation for improving safety and accessibility for people with disabilities when crossing streets in New York City.

Bartley shares personal experiences of feeling at risk when entering crosswalks due to drivers' blind spots, especially with buses and trucks.
She explains how daylighting would improve visibility, giving drivers more time to see pedestrians and allowing people with disabilities more space to navigate safely.
The testimony frames the legislation as an issue of equity and accessibility, urging its passage to create a more inclusive city infrastructure.

Monica Bartley

1:53:23

Hi.

1:53:24

I'm Monica Bartley, a board member of disabled in action.

1:53:29

Thank you chair Brooks Bowers and committee members for convening this hearing.

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I'm here today to voice my support for the proposed bill, intro eleven thirty eight, to prohibit parking or standing within 20 feet of a crosswalk and to require daylighting barriers.

1:53:49

I'm a wheelchair user and frequently travel around New York City and Brooklyn where I live.

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I'm always fearful that a driver may hit me when I enter the crosswalk because I'm in their blind spot especially buses and trucks.

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For people with disabilities, especially those with visual impairment, mobility challenges or who use assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs, crossing the street can be one of the most dangerous parts of our day.

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When vehicles are parked too close to intersections, they block sight lines for both pedestrians and drivers, creating a deadly blind spot.

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This is even more dangerous for someone who moves more slowly or who cannot easily see or be seen.

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Daylighting, that is clearing the area around the crosswalk, would improve visibility.

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It gives drivers a chance to see someone stepping into the street before it is too late.

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It gives people with disabilities more time and space to navigate safely, and importantly, it sends a message that our city values inclusive and accessible infrastructure.

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This legislation is not just about traffic rules.

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It is about equity, accessibility, and saving lives.

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By prioritizing visibility and safety, this bill helps build a city where people with disabilities can move around with dignity and confidence.

1:55:32

I urge you to pass it.

1:55:34

Thank you.

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Testimony by Jean Ryan, President of Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York, on Street Safety and Daylighting

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Testimony by Evan Yankey, Advocacy Director of Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, on Intro 1138 and Daylighting