NYMTC Regional Pedestrian Safety Study - New York Metropolitan ...

in the United States; the 2004 data shows the two states share the highest rate of 21.2 percent
(NCSA, 2006). Due to this statistic, the Federal Highway Administration has designated New
York State as a focus state and New York City as a focus city for pedestrian safety.
In addition to it being a concern in the NYMTC region, pedestrian safety is receiving increased
attention at the national and international level. United States Legislation that set policy for US
Department of Transportation states: “The non-motorized modes are an integral part of the
mission of FHWA and a critical element of the local, regional, and national transportation
system.” (Transportation Equity Act, 1999) US Department of Transportation Policy (1999 and
2000) FHWA Program Guidance on Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions on Federal-Aid Program
further states:
‣ “… bicycle and pedestrian improvements can be routinely included in federally funded
transportation projects and program.”
‣ “… bicycling and walking facilities will be incorporated into all transportation projects
unless ‘exceptional circumstances’ exist.”
‣ “… FHWA will encourage the development and implementation of bicycle and
pedestrian plans as part of the overall transportation planning process.”
The attention to the role of walking in maintaining good health has added to the interest.
Internationally, pedestrian fatalities are a considerably higher percentage of traffic-related
fatalities, at least partly due to the much greater reliance on walking as a mode of transportation
in developing nations. The World Health Organization shows that road traffic accidents are a
major cause of injury and death worldwide, and that a disproportionate number of the injuries
and deaths occur to users of non-motorized transportation. They further point out “in many
countries, the absence of a voice for the most vulnerable groups has meant that the safety of
pedestrians and cyclists is often disregarded in favour of motorized travel. Equal protection of
all road users should be a guiding rule, to avoid unfair burden of injury and death for poorer
people and vulnerable road users.” (WHO, 2004, p.10).
Walking is a basic human activity and the lifeblood of our urban areas. Pedestrians belong.
1.3 Study Method
The study was done primarily by interviewing key people in regional transportation and related
agencies and organizations that have a role or interest in pedestrian safety. The list of agencies
to be interviewed was initially developed by NYMTC staff assigned to the Safety Advisory
Working Group. The list included member agencies of SAWG and others. A few additional
agencies were added to the initial list during the interviews based on comments and
recommendations from the people being interviewed. A very short survey was sent to one or
several people within each agency. The objectives of this initial survey were to identify the
person or people within the organization most involved in pedestrian safety; to determine their
level of activity; and to identify data sources.
After the completion of the survey, a public meeting was held at NYMTC’s offices in order to
obtain public input to the project. Organizations to be contacted and issues to be discussed were
NYMTC Pedestrian Safety Study 3