Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
After Pedestrian Deaths On Delancey Street, Politicians Demand Action
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 18, 2011
Modified May 18, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Owen Hutchinson / Gothamist
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 18, 2011
Modified May 18, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In the wake of the death of 51-year-old Patricia Cuevas, who was struck and killed by a garbage truck crossing Delancey Street at Essex Street last Tuesday, state senator Daniel Squadron, city councilmember Margaret Chin and Transportation Alternatives said in a joint press release that they they would "ask the DOT to fix" the "unacceptable," unsafe conditions at the location in the Lower East Side, which Squadron calls "one of the most dangerous intersections in the city."
TA director Paul White goes on to cite the "119 motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians and cyclists there between 1998 and 2008 alone…it's high time we put pedestrians first and deploy life-saving street improvements." Such improvements may include "curb extensions, pedestrian refuge islands, and extended, dedicated pedestrian walk times," which in our anecdotal experience living nearby, would be crucial. Pedestrians barely have 20 seconds to cross Delancey before traffic comes barreling through.
Correcting this intersection would go a long way in bolstering the DOT's position that New York is "the safest big city." But even with "historic lows in citywide traffic fatalities," it can still be dangerous to be a pedestrian here, as cars routinely jump curbs, injuring and killing bystanders. You can read the entire press release here.
Tagged
delancey street
Lower East Side
pedestrian fatalities
safety
traffic
traffic safety
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .