Mayor Mamdani Unveils Vision Zero Reimagined to Make Streets Safer for Every New Yorker

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today released Vision Zero Reimagined, a 10-year blueprint for street safety. The comprehensive, citywide plan brings together 19 City agencies, Mayoral offices and partners to advance more than 100 policies designed to prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries while unlocking the full potential of New York City’s streets as public spaces.

Vision Zero Reimagined pairs bold ideas with practical fixes, including developing the city’s first pedestrian-only and pedestrian-priority districts, expanding implementation of Sammy’s Law, installing hardened daylighting or better treatments at 1,000 intersections each year, dramatically expanding street safety projects and pursuing new legal tools to crack down on dangerous drivers who are responsible for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths and serious injuries. 

“We should not have to wait for another family to lose a loved one before we make a street safer. We are committed to building safe streets before tragedy — not because of it. Vision Zero Reimagined puts forward the bold measures and practical fixes we need to make preventable tragedy no longer a part of everyday life in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “With 19 agencies and partners working together, we are doubling down on what works and paving the way for ambitious new models of street safety. Safety is a right for every New Yorker, no matter how you travel, where you are going or what neighborhood you call home.”

Eight strategic goals guide the City’s next phase of Vision Zero:

Goal 1: Remove dangerous drivers from our streets.

A small number of drivers with documented histories of reckless behavior account for 37% of all traffic deaths. Drivers who repeatedly speed or run red lights are far more likely to cause severe injury crashes. Vehicles that receive more than 16 speed camera violations in a year are twice as likely to be involved in a crash that causes severe injury or death. 41% of all traffic fatalities involve a driver without a valid license, with a prior suspension or with multiple convictions.

The City will focus on removing these drivers from the streets by strengthening legal accountability and using data-driven automated enforcement to identify people who routinely violate traffic laws. This includes closing enforcement gaps created by “ghost plates,” raising standards for maintaining and restoring driver licenses and launching New York City’s first Super Speeder program — enabled by changes to State law secured by Governor Hochul in this year’s State budget and championed by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher.

Goal 2: Promote safe, certified micromobility while curbing dangerous devices and riding behavior.

E-micromobility is essential to reducing car dependence, cutting emissions and expanding affordable transportation options across New York City — especially for delivery workers. But its growth must be safe and well-regulated.

The City will create a clear and enforceable safety framework that holds delivery platforms accountable for unsafe practices, expands bike and e-scooter share with built-in safety training, aligns e-bike rules with national and international standards and removes illegal or uncertified devices from City streets.

Goal 3: Encourage safer travel through walking, transit, micromobility and car share over private automobile use.

Automobile travel remains the most dangerous mode of transportation in the United States, and crashes involving cars account for nearly 90% of traffic fatalities in New York City, most often harming pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

The City will continue shifting travel away from private automobiles by making safer options — walking, transit, micromobility and shared vehicles — more affordable, reliable and convenient. This includes building a faster, more accessible bus system, expanding protected and low-stress cycling networks and lowering the cost and increasing the accessibility of bike and e-scooter share.

Goal 4: Discourage oversized vehicles and prepare for new vehicle technologies.

Larger and heavier vehicles pose growing risks on New York City streets, accounting for a disproportionate share of pedestrian fatalities while increasing crash severity, congestion and pressure on limited curb space.

To protect street users and keep pace with rapidly changing vehicle technology, the City will advocate for stronger federal vehicle safety standards that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, promote safer truck designs and advocate for local oversight over any future deployment of autonomous vehicles.

At the same time, the City will shift freight to safer and more sustainable modes such as cargo bikes, rail and waterborne transport while encouraging smaller, safer vehicles better suited to New York City’s streets.

Goal 5: Expand and maintain safety-focused street designs.

Street design remains one of the City’s most powerful tools for preventing crashes and saving lives. Decades of targeted redesigns have shown that safer streets work.

Building on this success, the City will expand proven safety interventions such as pedestrian-priority zones, protected bicycle networks, traffic-calmed corridors and safer intersections while modernizing designs to reflect changing travel patterns and the needs of street users.

The City will complete safety redesigns on untreated Vision Zero Priority Corridors — our city’s most dangerous streets — over the next three years, install hardened daylighting or better treatments at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year and expand implementation of Sammy’s Law.

Goal 6: Cultivate a safety culture through education, enforcement and shared responsibility.

To reduce injuries and fatalities where risk is highest, the City will strengthen accountability through consistent and equitable enforcement. This includes expanding automated enforcement, ensuring vehicles are properly registered and identifiable and closing loopholes that enable license plate fraud and unsafe commercial operations.

Safe behavior will be reinforced through sustained education, including integrating Vision.

Zero into public school curricula, expanding outreach to older adults and updating operator training to reflect current street conditions.

Goal 7: Leverage emerging data, technology and analysis for smarter interventions.

Data-driven research has been central to Vision Zero’s success, allowing the City to focus limited resources on interventions that save the most lives.

Building on this foundation, the City will create a unified Vision Zero data warehouse and use emerging technologies and analysis to better understand how people move around the city, identify crash circumstances and uncover safety patterns that can guide future interventions.

Goal 8: Lead by example with the safest municipal fleet in the nation.

As one of the largest fleet operators in the country, New York City will use its scale and purchasing power to set the national standard for vehicle safety.

Building on significant reductions in fleet-involved fatalities since the launch of Vision Zero, the City will expand the use of proven safety technologies such as Intelligent Speed Assistance, automatic emergency braking, high-visibility truck designs, telematics and audible alerts while strengthening driver training across City, contracted and regulated fleets.

“Saving lives on New York City’s streets requires the full force of City government working together toward a shared goal,” said Annie Levers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations. “This 10-Year Action Plan brings agencies together with ambitious commitments, clear accountability and a coordinated approach to ensure that our efforts work together seamlessly. By breaking down silos and making sure every agency is moving in the same direction, we can turn these commitments into action, deliver safer streets more effectively and save lives.”

“Vision Zero has been a game changer for street safety in New York City, with traffic deaths down 30% since its launch in 2014. Now we will aim even higher, dramatically expanding the City’s commitment to street safety for the first time since the program’s launch,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We must utilize a comprehensive strategy that touches every aspect of the transportation system, so that children can confidently walk to school, more New Yorkers feel safe choosing biking and other sustainable forms of transportation and we can rest assured that we don’t have to share the streets with the most flagrant dangerous drivers who put all of us at risk.”

“Vision Zero Reimagined is about making our streets safer for every New Yorker,” said Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “DCAS is committed to leveraging every tool available to prevent crashes and protect vulnerable road users — from installing surround cameras and pedestrian alerts to expanding intelligent speed assistance and more. Vision Zero Reimagined ensures New York City’s municipal fleet remains a national leader in safety innovation.”

“Safe, accessible streets are essential to helping older New Yorkers stay active, independent and connected to the communities they call home,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “I commend Mayor Mamdani for prioritizing this critical work. Every Vision Zero policy is an investment in the safety and well-being of older New Yorkers and their families, and I look forward to continuing this important work with our partners across government.”

“Pedestrians with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of traffic injuries and fatalities,” said Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Nisha Agarwal. “Vision Zero Reimagined further embeds accessibility into policy and design — making our streets safer for people with disabilities, which in turn makes our communities and city safer for everyone.”

“As a parent myself, I know just how critical it is to ensure safe streets for our students on their way to and from school, especially in peak rush hour,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “New York City Public Schools is proud to be part of a collaborative approach that puts the safety and well-being of our students front and center, as we work to create a safer city for all.”

“Protecting lives is the primary mission of the Fire Department, and we are happy to support any effort that makes our City safer,” said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. “Working to support Vision Zero with our agency partners, we can help ensure New Yorkers are safe and fulfill our mission of saving lives.”

“Mayor Mamdani has been clear: safe streets require all of government, from enforcement to design to strategic planning, and the Department of Sanitation is proud to be a partner in this important effort,” said Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson. “The DSNY fleet serves every corner of the City, and while it has always been our goal to do so safely, the programs outlined in this plan will make the streets even safer for our workforce and for the people we serve.”

“Every New Yorker deserves streets where safety is the standard — not the exception,” said Taxi & Limousine Commissioner (TLC) Midori Valdivia. “The Vision Zero Reimagined Action Plan makes clear that accountability, smarter enforcement and responsible innovation must guide how we confront today’s most pressing street safety challenges. As part of the city’s multi agency Vision Zero Task Force, the Taxi & Limousine Commission is proud to strengthen our role in this effort by ensuring that professional drivers meet the highest safety and training expectations, expanding enforcement against unlicensed operators, and studying technologies that protect pedestrians, cyclists, riders and drivers.”

“Traffic safety isn’t just about what’s happening in our street, it is also about protecting public health,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Vision Zero Reimagined is an opportunity to build on progress by using data, working with communities and strengthening prevention as New Yorkers move around our city. Together, we are turning what we learn into safer, healthier neighborhoods for all New Yorkers.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals providers care for patients of traffic-related incidents every day, and our data teams have been evaluating hospital injury data to support the City’s efforts to improve street safety,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “We are grateful to Mayor Mamdani and our colleagues in city government for making our streets safer for everyone.”

“This new Action Plan lays out a comprehensive, citywide blueprint as we continue to work toward eliminating all traffic deaths and improving street safety. It targets dangerous driving behaviors, vehicles and street conditions, while enhancing pedestrian safety,” said Corporation Counsel Steve Banks. “Every New Yorker should feel safe whether walking, biking or simply crossing the street in their neighborhood and City.”

“Street safety is a shared responsibility, and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to do its part to enforce the law and promote safer conditions for all New Yorkers,” said Sheriff Edwin Raymond. “As part of our ongoing enforcement efforts, we regularly conduct operations to remove illegal and dangerous vehicles from our roads and hold accountable drivers who repeatedly disregard the law. These efforts are an important part of our broader commitment to keeping our streets safe and ensuring that those who violate the law do not evade accountability.”

“Promoting vehicle safety in the trade waste industry is a core element of the Business Integrity Commission’s mission, and we will continue to educate carting companies and enforce our safety regulations to protect New Yorkers on the road,” said Business Integrity Commission (BIC) Commissioner and Chair Asim Rehman. “BIC is proud of our progress over the past decade, including the expansion of authority over vehicle and traffic safety regulation and the implementation of the side guard law. As a longstanding member of the Vision Zero Task Force, we are steadfast in our commitment to building on this progress for the next 10 years and beyond.”

“Vision Zero is an essential component of public safety,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “There are far too many needless injuries and deaths resulting from reckless and illegal behavior our roads, and I am glad to see Mayor Mamani and his administration double-down on street safety. My Office will continue to support these efforts by holding those accountable who endanger the lives of pedestrians, cyclists or drivers.”

“Every New Yorker should be able to walk, bike, drive and cross the street safely,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Vision Zero has helped make traffic safety a shared public-safety priority, and this next phase must continue that work with urgency. In Brooklyn, we will keep holding dangerous drivers accountable while working with our City partners on prevention, enforcement and smarter strategies that reduce crashes and save lives. I commend Mayor Mamdani for his leadership, and I am proud to support this renewed commitment.”

“The City of New York must constantly reassess how to keep our streets safe,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “Making sure that we remove dangerous drivers needs to be a top priority. We look forward to working with the administration to reach the ultimate goal of safety for all New Yorkers who use our public roadways.”

“New Yorkers deserve safe streets, and holding drugged drivers to the same standards as drunk drivers is necessary to achieve that goal,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “The Bronx District Attorney’s Office has supported efforts to close loopholes and ensure that anyone who puts lives at risk by operating a vehicle under the influence of a substance that impairs their abilities can be prosecuted appropriately. I applaud Mayor Mamdani for including this initiative in Vision Zero Reimagined, and I look forward to securing the legal means to get justice for victims and survivors.”

“It’s time we lay the groundwork for a future where no New Yorker has to mourn the loss of a loved one to a preventable crash. Implementation of my Stop Super Speeders Act, which puts speed limiters on the vehicles of repeatedly reckless drivers responsible for deaths and serious injuries on our streets, as well as the other outlined goals, is a major step forward in our fight for safer streets,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “We have the tools to create a streetscape that truly works for all New Yorkers — it’s on us to act. Our communities deserve nothing less. Thanks to Mayor Mamdani and NYC DOT for their partnership in this life-saving work.”

“Safe streets are the centerpiece of any livable city. Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to prioritizing street safety is already making a tangible difference in the way New Yorkers move across and enjoy our city,” said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. “I’m proud that we passed a NYC pilot of my bill to Stop Super Speeders in this year’s state budget, and I’m thrilled to work with the Mayor’s team to implement it and save lives.”

“Today, Mayor Mamdani is taking unprecedented action to protect the lives of pedestrians, delivering traffic-calming measures that boldly declare the current status quo cannot continue,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “As the original sponsor of Sammy’s Law in the State Senate, I’m particularly heartened to see the Mamdani administration doubling down on the expanded use of powers under Sammy’s Law to lower speed limits citywide. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn for their visionary leadership in advancing a generational investment in street safety measures and commit to working in partnership with Mayor Mamdani to deliver the safest streets possible for Manhattanites.”

“There is no denying that we've made serious progress over the last few years in making our streets safer for all. But we continue to lose far too many New Yorkers on our roadways here in Queens and across New York City each month, leaving behind grieving families and communities,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “These action items outlined by the Mamdani Administration today are common sense measures that will undoubtedly save lives and help us realize the original goal of Vision Zero. I look forward to working with my partners in government on identifying dangerous corridors and intersections to prioritize, as well as cracking down on reckless driving. Our streets should be safe for all who use them, regardless of how they use them, and this plan will certainly advance that mission.”

“The comprehensive Vision Zero Reimagined plan is a promising blueprint to make New York’s streets safer over the next decade, with infrastructure and the law working hand-in-hand,” said Council Member and Transportation Chair Shaun Abreu. “The expanded implementation of Sammy’s Law, hardened daylighting and cracking down on reckless drivers march us one step forward to preventing every traffic death. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn for spearheading this effort. The City Council is eager to be a full partner in saving lives.”

“Today brings New York City one step closer to finally reaching Vision Zero,” said Amy Tam-Liao, a founding member of Families for Safe Streets New York. “I lost my daughter Ally when she was hit and killed by a reckless driver when she was just three years old. While nothing will erase my loss, or the loss of every other member of Families for Safe Streets, we know these changes can and will save countless lives. My daughter Ally deserved to grow up, and with these changes, children and families across New York City will escape this tragedy.”

“We’re incredibly grateful that the Mamdani administration is putting forward this groundbreaking plan to save lives on our streets,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “We’re heartened to see an all-of-government approach to street safety, and we know upgrades like 20 mph Sammy’s Law zones, a high-quality bike network, accountability for dangerous driving, accelerated redesigns on the most dangerous streets and intersections and the safest fleet in the country will save lives today, tomorrow and for generations to come. We look forward to groundbreakings in every corner of the five boroughs to ensure every New Yorker, no matter where they live or where they’re going, gets home safely at the end of the day.”

“Safe streets are fair streets, where New York riders can reach transit stops and commute comfortably and independently,” said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum. “Achieving Vision Zero will both make it easier to ride public transit and is only possible with greater investment and support for public transit. Together with ‘Next Stop,’ the City’s bus action plan, today’s ‘Vision Zero Reimagined’ plan will make New York a safer, more affordable place to live, save people money and time and give us the firm foundation we need to get around and get ahead.”

“New Yorkers deserve a thriving public realm and a more vibrant city. Making our streets calmer and safer and saving lives by doing so, is essential for achieving that goal,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans. “Vision Zero can be both a critical tool for street safety and the means through which we create a more pleasant, safe and livable New York. Reclaiming space from cars, better managing our curbs and public spaces, reducing speeding and creating a safer pedestrian experience are the ingredients for a better New York for everyone.”

“We’re thrilled that Mayor Mamdani and NYC DOT are recommitting to, and greatly expanding, the city’s Vision Zero effort,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC. “The wide-ranging and comprehensive plan they are releasing today builds significantly on past efforts and will move New York City decisively toward a future with zero traffic deaths and significantly reduced injuries. We look forward to supporting the administration’s Vision Zero efforts in any way we can.”

“Our 28,000 yellow cab, Uber and Lyft driver members spend their days and nights getting New Yorkers where they need to go and remain the city’s safest motorists,” said Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of New York Taxi Workers Alliance. “Safety for their passengers, their fellow drivers, pedestrians and for themselves is always their top priority. Mayor Mamdani’s new Vision Zero acknowledges our members as vital partners in creating safer streets for all New Yorkers.”

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