Upper Green Side

Lappin Takes Action On Queensboro Bridge Dangers

Share this item:

Upper Green Side has been at the forefront at drawing attention to the dangers around the Queensboro bridge. Last week we presented our case for action to local City Councilmember Jessica Lappin. We are happy to report that Councilmember Lappin has taken action on this by writing a pointed letter to Department of Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall.

Dear Ms. Weinshall:

I am writing regarding the dangerous Queensboro Bridge path used by cyclists and pedestrians in my district.

The Queensboro Bridge site is the most fatal crash cluster for cyclists and pedestrians in Manhattan. According to NYPD data, between 2002 and 2004, motor vehicles killed 5 pedestrians, 3 cyclists and injured 765 pedestrians and 141 cyclists in the one square mile area around the Queensboro Bridge path’s Manhattan entrance located at East 50^th Street to East 69^th Street, between 5^th Avenue and the East River. By comparison, at the Queen’s entrance of the bridge no cyclists or pedestrians were killed and only 94 pedestrians and 10 cyclists were injured.

The Queensboro Bridge area was highlighted as one of the most dangerous sites for cyclists and pedestrians in a joint report from the New York City Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Parks and Recreation and the New York City Police Department. This report confirms the reality that people live with as they risk their lives trying to exit the Queensboro Bridge.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your reply. If my office can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact my Policy Director, Caroline Mello, at (212) 535-5554. Thank you for you assistance in this important matter.

Sincerely,

JESSICA LAPPIN
Council Member
5^th District- Manhattan

Please take action yourself by calling to thank Councilmember Lappin (212-535-5554) and also filing your own personal complaint about safety around the Queensboro Bridge to the Department of Transportation.