Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
De Blasio Envisions A NYC With Zero Traffic Deaths
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Aug 7, 2013
Modified Aug 7, 2013
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 .
Tien Mao/Gothamist
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Aug 7, 2013
Modified Aug 7, 2013
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 a plan released this morning, NYC public advocate (and increasingly viable mayoral candidate) Bill De Blasio called for a New York City with zero traffic deaths, or, in the short term, a lot less.
De Blasio is proposes a "vision zero" where the city will reduce speed limits, continue fighting Albany for speed-cameras, widen sidewalks, and make bicycle lanes safer for bicyclists. The city would also expand 20 MPH zones to more neighborhoods across the boroughs.
The plan points out that between 2001 and 2010, traffic deaths amounted to more than those of gun-related deaths among New York City residents. On top of that, being hit by a car is the most common injury-related cause of death among children 1-14 years old, and the second most-common for children aged 15 or older.
The De Blasio plan also points out the lack of necessary enforcement for speeding violations in the city. While 81,126 tickets were written last year for tinted windows, only 19,119 were written for speeding violations. Two independent studies by Transportation Alternatives found that more than 80 percent of drivers were going more than 10 miles per hour above the speed limit while driving through the city.
While De Blasio has some sensible idea about cracking down on speeding drivers, no mayoral candidate has yet to submit a plan to stop those badass armies of dirt bikes and ATVs.
Tagged
car crashes
de Blasio
plan
traffic
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
In surveys, many who say they want want help state they don't know where to start.
By
Caroline Lewis
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
City attorneys allege the firm said its clients were injured by defective city streets or sidewalks when in reality they were hit by cars or banged up in fights.
By
Walter Wuthmann
News
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
City attorneys allege the firm said its clients were injured by defective city streets or sidewalks when in reality they were hit by cars or banged up in fights.
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
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 .