Council Member Cohen believes the ‘Complete the Concourse’ effort reflects life-saving improvements that need to be made along the Grand Concourse
This summer, Transportation Alternatives met with Council Member Andrew Cohen regarding their ‘Complete the Concourse’ campaign. This campaign requests the NYC Department of Transportation for a plan to implement a complete street design for the Grand Concourse that would bring life-saving pedestrian, bicycle and public transit improvements for residents of The Bronx. After this meeting Council Member Cohen agreed that a safer streetscape is necessary along the five miles of the Grand Concourse.
Since July 2012, over 650 people have been injured and nine have been killed due to the dangerous conditions along the Grand Concourse. ‘Complete the Concourse’ is a local effort to bring a “complete street” to the Grand Concourse. A “complete street” promises life-saving improvements for the entire Concourse, including pedestrian islands, protected bike lanes and curb extensions. It is the belief of Council Member Cohen and Transportation Alternatives that these amenities would increase connectivity along the Grand Concourse.
“After meeting with representatives from Transportation Alternatives (TA), I agree that measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians along the Grand Concourse. Complete the Concourse promises life-saving improvements such as protected bike lanes and curb extensions to arguably the busiest thoroughfare in the borough. I am confident that these enhancements will improve the safety of everyone utilizing the Concourse and I look forward to working with TA to make sure they are implemented,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.
"The current design of the Grand Concourse makes it difficult and dangerous for Bronx residents and visitors to get around and access public spaces like children’s playgrounds and cultural centers," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "A Complete Street redesign will make this key corridor safer for everyone, whether they're walking, biking, riding the bus or driving a car. We thank Council Member Cohen for supporting local communities' demand for safety improvements that will save lives along the Grand Concourse."
EDITOR"S NOTE:
As a frequent driver of the roadway, I must admit that better education of people on how to cross the Grand Concourse is a must. Signs such as not crossing anywhere, but only at the corners where there are traffic signals would cut down on many injuries. When to cross the street, and .most of all better traffic enforcement of the speed limit, cars going through the red lights, and other traffic violations. Putting up cameras to give violations is not going to work, as it will only mean drivers will have to take their eyes off the road to look for any camera which will lead to more accidents.
