A weekly roundup of good deeds, missteps, heroic feats and epic failures in the tri-state region and beyond.
WINNERS
Connecticut residents and businesses — This morning, Governor Malloy joined elected officials and transportation advocates to kick off a series of speakers discussing transportation’s role in jobs access.
New Haven, CT transit chief Doug Hausladen and City Engineer Giovanni Zinn — The two local leaders are pushing a “Complete Streets 2.0” program of low-dollar, quick turnaround projects to implement more safety improvements faster.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Miller — The assemblyman is working with the NYC DOT and Mayor de Blasio to bring Vision Zero improvements to Woodhaven.
New York State Department of Transportation — In a recent report, the agency has cited “incorporation of bicycle facilities, consistent with the Complete Streets legislation” as “integral” to Syracuse’s I-81 replacement project.
Cities with red light camera programs — At the 100 intersections with red light cameras in Suffolk County, traffic crashes declined by an average of 5.4 percent, accidents involving injuries dropped 10.6 percent, and side-impact accidents fell 30 percent compared to the previous year.
New Jersey State Assemblymembers Ralph Caputo and Grace Spencer — As the state’s red light camera pilot program comes to a close, the Essex assemblymembers are fighting for local control so that municipalities can reinstate the program at their will.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone — The county executive spearheaded the successful application for a $1.5 million grant for planning, design and construction of a BRT system along Nicolls Road.
Suffolk County Legislature — A bill was approved to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in Huntington Station in advance of new development projects.
Hamilton Township, NJ — The township’s leaders are working to improve traffic safety along the deadly stretch of Black Horse Pike in the wake of three recent casualties.
LOSERS
Transportation Alternatives and NYC — Noah Budnick’s departure from Transportation Alternatives to San Francisco’s Bicycle Coalition is definitely NYC’s loss. We’ll miss you, Noah!
New Jersey cyclists — Tragic losses could be prevented if a safe passing bill, currently stuck in committee, would be passed.
Metro-North Railroad commuters — The agency has stated that it cannot meet a 95 percent on-time performance standard until it has completed ongoing track improvement projects.
