Safe Streets for Seniors

By Susan Levine

Like many members of the Five Borough Bicycle Club, I am also a member of Transportation Alternatives (TA), New York City’s advocacy organization for cyclists, pedestrians, and users of mass transit. TA is in the forefront of many activities aimed at creating an urban landscape that is more hospitable to the safe and pleasurable use of our city’s streets and parks, and you can find out more about what they do on their excellent website at www.transalt.org.

On November 15th, I attended a meeting sponsored by TA and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, about the Safe Streets for Seniors campaign. The purpose of the meeting was to learn from older people living in Assemblymember Rosenthal’s district on the Upper West Side what aspects of street use and design feel dangerous to them, and to get their suggestions for reducing those dangers.

Because I worked for many years in social service agencies that assist older New Yorkers, the Safe Streets campaign is of particular interest to me. I first became acutely aware of how safety concerns can adversely affect healthful recreation when a man living in Queens told me that he could not go to the best senior center in his neighborhood – which is also the one closest to his home – because it would involve crossing the very dangerous – some would say murderous--Queens Boulevard.

This kind of no-win decision that enforces inactivity can be both psychologically and physically debilitating–impeding both the opportunity to spend time with friends and also the health benefits that come with exercise. In fact, the New York State Department of Health is funding TA’s efforts, with the expectation that improved walking environments will encourage more seniors to use walking as their primary mode of transit and recreation, ultimately leading to their better health.¹

The scope of the Safe Streets campaign is impressive--it involves a profound reframing of how limited urban space should be delegated – how much for pedestrians and cyclists, how much for cars – and addresses those design issues that have the greatest impact on senior pedestrian safety. For this article, I would like to focus on comments made about the relationship between pedestrians and cyclists.

When audience members were asked what they’d like an “improved walking environment” to look like, I expected to hear comments on how to reduce and calm car use in the city. After all, 33% of those killed in traffic accidents are seniors, even though they represent only 13% of New York City’s population. But while cars were by no means ignored as part of the problem, many speakers–including those who bike themselves, or have biked in the past–were particularly frightened of and agitated by bicycles.

Common complaints were bicycles on sidewalks; bikes going against the flow of traffic; not being visible at night; and running red lights. One man said, “I don’t feel threatened by cars–I can see them! Bikes sneak up on you.” Another speaker cited bikes as the most “erratic” form of transportation; pedestrians aren’t sure what to expect.

Because of these concerns, several speakers called for the licensing of bikes, convinced that doing so would make cyclists more responsible.

A real fear for older people–or any of us–is the loss of independence. And even a minor collision between a bike and a frail person can mean a permanently altered future. Such fear easily converts into rage–as we bikers who have experienced cars speeding by within inches of us are all to well aware.

What can be done to reduce some of that rage directed towards bicycles?

TA’s Working Cyclist Campaign is educating business owners that employ bike delivery people about safe urban cycling. They are being encouraged to tell their riders not to sacrifice safety for speed, and are being given information about “rules of the road” for their workers to follow.

We 5bbcers can also contribute to a better alliance between older pedestrians and cyclists.

On day trips, when we stop for red lights, we can stay out of the crosswalks so that people for 10 whom walking is difficult don’t have to take extra steps to get around us.

And at lunch stops, we can keep the sidewalks clear as we’re locking up to go in and also when we’re getting ready to leave afterwards. Large groups of exuberant cyclists are fun to be around, but not so much fun to get through for a mobility-impaired person.

One participant at the November meeting brought with him a heavily marked up clipping of a Jane Brody column from this past June 6th. It’s title: “Cars and bikes can mix, when the rules of the road are clear.” I also believe that pedestrians and bikes can mix – and, in fact, be true allies in promoting a safer, healthier and more enjoyable city.

References:

1. The Upper West Side Senior Pedestrian Safety Plan: November 2007, a report prepared for Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal by Transportation Alternatives under its Safe Routes for Seniors Campaign.