New York City Mayor Eric Adams has faced increasing scrutiny over his administration’s delay in implementing a safety redesign for Brooklyn’s Third Avenue, a corridor that has garnered attention for its alarming rate of accidents.
Despite previous assertions that Third Avenue would be prioritized for safety upgrades, the mayor has not acted, leading to tragic consequences—including the recent deaths of two pedestrians.
Last week, a speeding driver ran a red light, resulting in the fatalities of 80-year-old Kex Un Chen and 59-year-old Faqui Lin as they crossed Third Avenue. Advocacy groups have labeled this horrific incident as “preventable,” emphasizing the ongoing danger posed by the current road conditions.
Adams, who previously acknowledged the dire state of Third Avenue as Brooklyn borough president in 2018 and 2019, remarked during a Bike-to-Work Day event, “If someone wants to ride down Third Avenue, that is extremely intimidating; that must be at the top of our list.” He also referred to the challenges cyclists face on the avenue, especially after the tragic death of cyclist Em Samolewicz in 2019.
Adams’s comments indicated a strong awareness of the street’s vulnerabilities, yet his administration has significantly delayed action in redesigning it.
Following the recent fatalities, experts warn that the city’s delay in redesigning Third Avenue could expose it to legal challenges, particularly given the known dangers associated with the corridor.
Peter Beadle, an attorney who has previously litigated against the city regarding street safety, highlighted that the absence of action from the mayor can be linked to the rise in injuries and fatalities.
According to New York’s highest court ruling in 2017, if a city is aware of dangerous conditions yet fails to implement safety measures, it can be held liable for resulting injuries. This precedent may be applicable to the current state of Third Avenue, where over 80 people have been killed or seriously injured in recent years.
The city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) had put forward a proposed overhaul for Third Avenue, which aimed to introduce a protected bike lane and pedestrian safety improvements. Yet, this proposal has faced pushback from local businesses, leading to its postponement.
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce CEO Randy Peers voiced his concerns that the redesign could negatively affect local commerce, suggesting that the community board had not adequately consulted businesses before pushing for what he termed a “radical” change.
As the year progressed, the DOT informed the community board that they should not expect any changes to Third Avenue, indicating that the redesign will likely be sidelined for the remainder of Adams’s term as mayor.
In light of this, advocates are increasingly frustrated with the Adams administration for not following through on safety promises made during his campaign. Critics point to a disparity between Adams’s commitments as mayor and his inaction regarding critical road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Despite a citywide mandate to improve cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, the mayor’s administration has continually delayed action on bike lanes and street safety programs, creating a stark contrast to his earlier promises.
Critics have emphasized that the delay in implementing these life-saving measures illustrates a troubling trend in prioritizing business interests over community safety. As the clock ticks down on his current term, community members, advocates, and families of traffic victims demand accountability and action from Mayor Adams.
They argue that the safety of pedestrians and cyclists should take precedence, especially in areas known for high accident rates. The case of Third Avenue highlights the urgent need for effective intervention strategies to curb traffic violence and protect vulnerable road users.
In conclusion, as the community mourns the recent tragic losses, the conversation surrounding Third Avenue’s safety redesign will likely continue to evolve, with advocates pushing for answers and actionable solutions.
The growing emphasis on road safety reveals a critical need for the city to reconsider its priorities and commit to creating safer environments for all residents, particularly those who rely on walking and biking in their daily lives.
image source from：nyc
