Bicyclists and pedestrians better protected from accidents on Seventh Ave in Chelsea and in the West Village

The installation of protected bike lanes all over New York City not only protect bicyclists from dangerous accidents but also drivers and pedestrians alike. According to DOT statistics, streets with bike lanes have 40 percent fewer crashes ending in death or serious injury. A study realized after the Ninth Avenue protected bike lane was installed showed that all injuries related to traffic accidents decreased by 50%. Pedestrian injuries decreased by 29% and cyclist injuries by 57%.

Better protection for cyclists and pedestrians

Last week the DOT announced that the many cyclists using Seventh Ave to ride South in Manhattan will now be able to use a protected bike lane from 30th Street to Clarkson Street. Half of the protected bike lane, from 30th Street to 14th Street was installed at the end of last year. The DOT finished installing the other part from 14th Street to Clarkson Street last week. The DOT still needs to paint the lane in green. The DOT is also planning to install five concrete pedestrian islands along the way as well as additional safety improvements for pedestrians.

7th Ave in Chelsea and in the West Village is always busy with cars, bicyclists and pedestrians including children who are attending PS 41 on Grenwich Ave. It was flagged as a Vision Zero Priority Corridor after statistics showed that, between 2011 and 2015, 175 pedestrians, 96 cyclists and 239 motor vehicle passengers suffered personal injury in traffic accidents on Seventh Ave between 30th Street and Clarkson Street. Additional studies showed that the Avenue had a high bicycle volume despite not having a bike lane. In 2016 over a 14-hour count, 1,700 cyclists were recorded at West 30th Street, 2,350 at West 20th Street and 1,300 at Charles Street.

Parents and staff at PS41 who have been fighting for additional safety measures on Seventh Ave are finally getting what they have been asking for over the last 5 years.

Read more in Street Blog

Image: courtesy of DOT