Queens Gazette

Council Seeks Improved Senior Pedestrian Safety





 

 

Although the city’s seniors represent only one-sixth of the city’s population, they account for one-third of traffic fatalities, City Councilmember John Liu revealed recently as he opened a hearing to consider legislation designed to protect seniors and other pedestrians on city streets.

Referring to the statistics, Liu (D-Flushing) stated: “This incongruity must be addressed with increased efforts to protect the safety of our seniors, who increasingly use our sidewalks to maintain their independence and mobility. We need to implement better traffic management, including improved signage at crosswalks, as well as try out new technology, such as pedestrian countdown traffic signals, to reduce accidents.”

At the hearing, held by the Transportation Committee chaired by Liu, and the Committee on Aging, headed by Councilmember Maria del Carmen Arroyo (D-The Bronx), two bills were reviewed.

Intro 125 would mandate speed reduction signs within one block of a senior center or Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC).

Intro 217 calls for mandated improved demarcations and signage at all pedestrian crosswalks.

Iris Weinshall, city Commissioner of Transportation, opposed both bills. Regarding Intro 125, Weinshall said, “Decisions to implement safety improvements whether it’s signage, traffic signals, or markings-should continue to be made on a case-by-case basis.”

Commenting on Intro 217, Weinshall said, “This bill, similar to the last, would place a monetary burden on DOT, which again could be better spent addressing safety needs elsewhere.”

She explained that DOT would need resources to install crosswalks located at all pedestrian ramp locations citywide, paint and maintain the crosswalks and pedestrian ramps, conduct regular inspections of both crosswalks and pedestrian ramps and respond to complaints all while adhering to the strict time frame outlined in the bill.

However, Councilmember Michael Nelson (D-Brooklyn), sponsor of Intro 125, defended his bill, saying, “The speed reductions and signage mandated in this bill will help ensure the safety of pedestrians near senior centers and NORCs.”

Councilmember Vincent Gentile (also D-Brooklyn) said of his Intro 217, “While crossing within the crosswalk does not eliminate any chance of a vehicular-pedestrian accident, it does offer the best possible deterrent. It is essential for pedestrians and motorists alike to be able to clearly view these areas where not only our seniors will be crossing, but all members of our community, including children.”

The two pieces of legislation were supported by the Council of Senior Centers & Services, Disabled In Action, and Transportation Alternatives.

PART D ENROLL DEADLINE MAY 15: As the May 15 deadline for seniors to join the Medicare Part D federal prescription drug subsidy program nears, President George W. Bush has been campaigning to get seniors signed up and possibly help Republicans to maintain their control over both houses in Congress in elections later this year.

Locally and throughout New York state, senior citizen advocates are also trying to get seniors enrolled in the program, which promises savings on medication costs. One published report says 1.2 million seniors in New York State, or 40 percent of those eligible for the program, have not yet signed up for it.

Those who miss signing up by May 15 will be subject to penalties if they then sign up after that date. The future premiums for these tardy individuals will be higher than the original amount, and that higher figure will never be reduced.

Among those still not signed up for the program, homebound seniors are the most likely to be in that category, so friends and relatives of homebound individuals should check to see if they’ve joined Part D and if not, help to get them signed up. Call 1-800-Medicare for assistance.

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