New York cyclists will have an advantage over cars

The Department of transportation of new York (New York City Department of Transportation NYC DOT) unveiled a pilot program Leading Pedestrian Interval signals, or LPIs. Thanks to it, cyclists will be able to use the characters ‘ priorities for pedestrians, and therefore get an advantage over motorists more time to cross the road.

The program will operate on 50 intersections in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

«This pilot program is a step in the right direction, which is committed to joint efforts of human rights defenders and local residents. Our city must do everything possible to ensure the safety of cyclists,» — said Advisor to the NYC DOT Carlos Menchaca.

As first steps, the Council will install temporary signs-alert at intersections, meaning that here, there are cyclists more time to cross the road. The first sign appeared at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street.

Held in 2016, the study revealed that 89% of fatal accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians occurs at intersections, after the establishment of the same LPIs the number of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists decreased by 56%.

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