Signage installed this month along the Jackie Robinson Parkway for the first time includes his image; Vision Zero marketing this season at Citi Field will include reminders from Mets players that “saving a life is easy”
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that New York City had installed signs along the Jackie Robinson Parkway that for the first time include an image of the Dodger legend himself. At the foot of the Parkway in Cypress Hills, where a major Vision Zero safety project is reducing crashes, City officials unveiled the new signage as Major League Baseball prepares to celebrate Jackie Robinson this Sunday, the anniversary of his first game in 1947. Officials also unveiled a new Vision Zero marketing campaign that Mets fans will see at Citi Field this season.
“With baseball season now in full swing, no one should ever forget the history that Jackie Robinson made at Ebbets Field more than 70 years ago,” said Mayor de Blasio. “It is so appropriate that the parkway that bears his name – a road that Mets fans in Brooklyn now take directly to Citi Field – should finally honor the man with his likeness. We thank the Jackie Robinson Foundation, his family and all of the state and City agencies that made this possible. We are also grateful to the Mets for being such great partners in getting our critical Vision Zero education message out to their fans this season.”
City officials announced the following:
New Jackie Robinson Parkway Signage: The new Jackie Robinson Parkway signs were unveiled today, and approximately 25 new signs have been installed this month by NYC DOT, both along the Parkway and at entrance ramps. The signs represent a true American icon: Robinson (1919-1972) was the first African-American to play major-league baseball -- for the Brooklyn Dodgers, from 1947 until 1956. He was also the first to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Following his baseball career, he became a successful businessman and advocate for social justice. Among his many honors, Robinson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. On April 15th each year, all Major League Baseball teams celebrate “Jackie Robinson Day” on the anniversary of his very first game at Ebbets Field.
New Vision Zero Safety Changes at Jackie Robinson Parkway Entrance: Today’s event was held at the terminus of the Jackie Robinson Parkway in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. In April 2017, NYC DOT had unveiled major safety changes at the busy five-legged intersection. The intersection redesign added several crosswalks, pedestrian signals and brighter lighting, including on the north end of the intersection, where previously hundreds of pedestrians per day had crossed the parkway entrance itself -- despite no marked crosswalks there. Pedestrians who use the intersection are often making their way to and from many nearby local transit hubs, including five NYCT bus lines, the Long Island Rail Road East New York station as well as the Broadway Junction subway station, with access to the A, C, L, J and Z trains. Between 2010 and 2014, the intersection had been the site of 373 injuries, including 7 severe injuries. Early data suggest the changes have reduced crashes at the intersection.
