NYC DOT Testifies Before City Council on the Future of the Streets Plan: What It Means for the Safety of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists,

New York City’s transportation policy continues to evolve as officials seek to reduce traffic deaths and redesign streets to prioritize safety. On March 3, 2026, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn appeared before the City Council Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to testify about progress under the New York City Streets Plan and the city’s next steps to improve street safety.

From the perspective of our NYC car accident lawyers, these policy discussions are significant because they directly influence the safety of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders across the five boroughs.

Historic Drop in Traffic Deaths Since Vision Zero

According to DOT testimony, New York City ended 2025 tied for the fewest traffic fatalities in the city’s history, with deaths down 31% since Vision Zero launched in 2014.

City officials attribute these improvements to a combination of:

• Street redesign projects

• Traffic enforcement initiatives

• Public education campaigns

• Expanded pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure

While these statistics show progress, thousands of serious crashes still occur each year across New York City. Even with improved street design, negligent drivers, reckless speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving continue to cause severe injuries and fatalities.

When crashes occur, victims and families often need experienced legal representation to investigate liability and pursue compensation.

Major Street Redesign Projects Completed in 2025

The DOT reported completing more than 130 transportation improvement projects across the five boroughs in 2025. These projects focused on making streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders.

Examples include:

• Expanded pedestrian and cyclist space on the Queensboro Bridge

• A Bike Boulevard on 31st Avenue in Astoria

• Bus lanes on Hillside Avenue serving more than 215,000 daily riders

• A new pedestrian plaza in Washington Heights

• A segment of the Harlem River Greenway on Bailey Avenue in the Bronx

These projects are designed to slow traffic, reduce conflicts between vehicles and vulnerable road users, and encourage safer transportation options.

However, even with these improvements, serious crashes continue to occur across the city — often due to driver negligence or dangerous roadway conditions.

Congestion Pricing Impact on Manhattan Traffic

The testimony also highlighted the impact of congestion pricing in Manhattan, which reportedly led to:

• 11% reduction in traffic

• Bridge and tunnel travel times improving by up to 50%

• Increased transit ridership and walking trips

Reduced traffic volume can improve safety by lowering congestion and decreasing the likelihood of collisions. However, fewer vehicles on the road does not eliminate dangerous behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, or distracted driving.

Major Safety Projects Planned for 2026

DOT officials also announced that several previously stalled safety projects will move forward in 2026, including:

• Parking-protected bike lanes on McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint

• Extension of Madison Avenue double bus lanes from 42nd Street to 23rd Street

• Redesign of the 31st Street corridor in Astoria

• Protected bike lanes on Ashland Place in Brooklyn

• A new bike lane network across Midwood, Flatbush, and East Flatbush

• Parking-protected bike lanes on East New York Avenue

These redesigns aim to slow traffic and create safer spaces for cyclists and pedestrians.

From a legal perspective, street design can also become a factor in crash investigations. In some cases, poor roadway design, lack of traffic control devices, or dangerous intersections may contribute to serious accidents.

Proposed Legislation Affecting Street Safety

During the hearing, the DOT also addressed several proposed bills under consideration by the City Council, including:

Solar-Powered Crosswalk Safety Devices

A proposal would require 100 illuminated crosswalk warning devices per year for five years.

DOT officials expressed concerns about the effectiveness of these devices in dense urban environments and warned that excessive use could lead to “flashing light fatigue,” reducing driver compliance.

Bicycle Parking Expansion

Another bill proposes identifying 5,000 potential bike parking locations and installing 1,000 new bicycle parking stations per year.

With more than 600,000 bicycle trips occurring daily in NYC, the city expects cycling to continue growing as a transportation option.

Faster Safety Improvements Near Schools

Legislation would require traffic calming devices near schools to be installed within 60 days after DOT approval.

While DOT supports the goal of improving safety near schools, officials noted that installation timelines are often affected by weather conditions, construction constraints, and engineering considerations.

Curb Extensions at Dangerous Intersections

A proposal would require curb extensions at high-risk pedestrian intersections across the five boroughs.

DOT emphasized that while curb extensions can improve safety, engineering decisions should remain flexible to ensure the right treatment is used for each location.

Why Street Safety Policy Matters for Injury Victims

Street redesign programs and traffic safety policies play an important role in preventing crashes. However, serious accidents still occur regularly in New York City, often leaving victims with devastating injuries.

When crashes happen, victims may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim against negligent drivers, vehicle owners, employers, or other responsible parties.

Potential claims may involve:

• Driver negligence

• Drunk or impaired driving

• Distracted driving

• Commercial vehicle liability

• Dangerous roadway conditions

• Defective vehicle components

A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine the full scope of liability.

Speak With Our Experienced New York Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic crash in New York City, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and strict legal deadlines may apply.

The attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf have more than 100 years of experience representing victims of serious motor vehicle accidents and have obtained some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York.

For a free consultation, call 212-943-1090 or fill a form online.