According to Transportation Alternatives, while 3 people died in crashes on Forest Avenue since 2019, no major safety improvements have been made on Forest Avenue west of Morningstar Road since Vision Zero started.
So far this year 223 people died in crashes in New York City, including 99 pedestrians. Among the victims 42 of them were 65 and older.
Yingqui Liu was killed by a van one day after a New Memorial Grove for traffic victims was unveiled in Brooklyn during World Day of Remembrance.
On Sunday, Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets representatives joined NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams to honor and remember victims of traffic accidents in New York City. The gathering took place at Lincoln Terrace/Arthur Somers Park in Brooklyn where The Memorial Grove for victims of traffic violence in New York City was unveiled.
In a very emotional ceremony, members of Families for safe Streets read aloud the name of each of the recent victims of crashes. Many parents who had their children killed in crashes were attending the ceremony. Many of them have turned into street safety activists.
After the memorial grove was unveiled, participants also asked elected officials to improve the safety of pedestrian and cyclists in New York City. Family for Safe Streets unveiled The SAFE Streets (Streets Are For Everyone) Act — which was previously called the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act — and includes 7 bills addressing speed limits, safer streets, safer motor vehicles, support to victims and their family and safe distance while passing cyclists.