| Contact: | Sunny Mindel / Michael Anton Tom Cocola (DOT) Tom Antenen (DCPI) |
(212) 788-2958 (212) 442-7033 (212) 374-6700 |
The Department of Transportation (DOT) will continue to install new pedestrian safety signs at key intersections along Queens Boulevard. On February 2, DOT began installation of about 400 pedestrian signs throughout Queens Boulevard. The most dramatic signs read:
"A Pedestrian Was Killed Crossing Here / Be Alert / Cross With Care"
These signs placed at eight intersections where three or more pedestrian deaths occurred between 1993 and 2001. The intersections are: 70th Road; Broadway/Grand Avenue; Yellowstone Boulevard; 66th Avenue; 75th Avenue; 71st Avenue; 51st Avenue and 46th Street.
DOT First Deputy Commissioner Fasulo said "Many people have said that these signs are dramatic, and that certainly was our intent. We need to constantly remind pedestrians to be safe crossing Queens Boulevard."
Also, at approximately 30 intersections where there have been one or two pedestrian fatalities from 1993 to 2001, pedestrian safety signs have also been installed, which read:
"Be Alert / Cross With Care"
At all signalized intersections, signs are installed which read:
"Begin Walking On a Fresh Walk / If Don't Walk is Flashing, Continue to the Next Safety Island / Wait For a Fresh Walk / Cross With Care"
In addition, effective February 1, 2001, Commissioner Weinshall ordered a uniform 30-mile per hour speed limit along all 7 miles of Queens Boulevard.
First Deputy Commissioner Fasuloo noted that work is progressing on pedestrian fencing. Nearly 3,500 linear feet have been installed from 67th Road to 70th Road. Later this year, the City will add another 10,500 linear feet of pedestrian fencing, from Elliot Avenue to 67th Road, and from 70th Road to Union Turnpike.
D.O.T. has also increased medians at key intersections, increased pedestrian crossing time during the off-hours by an average of 8 to 10 seconds, and upgraded sidewalks. In addition, the D.O.T. Safety Education Team has reached out to numerous schools and senior centers in the Queens Boulevard area.
Also, the Police Department is continuing its ongoing enforcement of traffic safety laws along Queens Boulevard, including the designation of certain days-including today, February 23rd -- as "zero tolerance" days. A "zero tolerance" initiative involves extra personnel on two tours, including foot and motor patrol, for heightened enforcement of vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Queens Boulevard.
The NYPD's Queens Boulevard initiative was implemented on December 8, 2000,
to enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety on the street. To date, the initiative
has resulted in a total of 24,508 summonses, of which 12,534 are parking summonses;
8,744 moving violations, 2,412 criminal court summonses, inclusive of 1,661
for jaywalking, 714 vehicles have been towed and 372 citizens have been assisted
crossing the Boulevard. Police personnel from the 102, 107, 108, 110 and 112
Precincts, as well as from Queens North Task Force, Highway 3, Mounted Unit,
Parking Enforcement and the Traffic Division are involved in the initiative.
In addition, a temporary command post has been established on Queens Boulevard
to manage the Department's enforcement efforts.