On one hand, firefighters and paramedics have dedicated themselves to serving their communities, and they do so every day with skill and care, without hesitation, even under the most trying circumstances. On the other hand, street safety advocates are finding themselves at odds with fire departments and local firefighter unions over efforts to protect pedestrians and cyclists through the redesign of streets.
Known as the Flatbush Avenue bus priority project, the goal is get city buses moving faster. According to the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), the average bus speed on Flatbush Avenue is often four mph. Citywide, bus speeds have been reported as slow as eight mph. DOT and transit advocates have said that center-running bus lanes and other enhancements on the corridor will speed up bus travel, in part, by reducing traffic congestion.
Streetfilms' Clarence Eckerson recently visited London to learn about ways transportation planners in the Big Smoke are re-envisioning their city's streets to put people over cars. In the Borough of Lambeth, Eckerson found "modal filters" where planners have effectively created small town squares by diverting traffic at intersections. The design enhanced safety for cyclists and pedestrians while opening up more space for outdoor dining and bio-swales.
