A weekly roundup of good deeds, missteps, heroic feats and epic failures in the tri-state region and beyond.
WINNERS
Metropolitan Transportation Authority – The MTA has taken a giant step forward by designing its proposed 2015-2019 Capital Program as an image-rich, stat laden, user-friendly update to its unappealing 2010-2014 Program.
New Hyde Park, NY Village Trustee Donald Barbieri – Barbieri led a successful effort to finally complete Operation Main Street, a project to redesign Jericho Turnpike with safety upgrades, after 12 years.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop – The mayor is seeking to attract New Yorkers to visit Jersey City by bringing Citi Bike to the town.
Connecticut vulnerable users – The state’s Vulnerable Users Law, which mandates a fine of up to $1,000 for any motorist “who fails to exercise reasonable care” and severely injures or kills a bicyclist, pedestrian or other vulnerable user, goes into effect today.
LOSERS
New York State Senator Diane Savino – While representing an area severely lacking in bike lanes, the Senator stated on Facebook: “I just scream at [bicyclists] out the window of my car… ‘Hey, find a f—–g bike lane and get in it.‘”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo – After tossing the $3.9 billion figure around for months, the governor has now said that the state does not know the total cost of the new Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, he suggested that the Thruway tolls may increase — a direct contrast to previous statements made by the Thruway Authority.
Staten Island residents – The MTA’s proposed 2015-2019 Capital Program includes $300 million for new rail cars for the Staten Island Railway, but no further investments in a borough that is undergoing significant short-term development.
New Jersey roadway users – A new report released this week places the Garden State at 48th in the nation for road conditions, dead last for road investments and fifth for road fatalities.
