Pedestrians, especially the elderly and children, face danger daily at the intersection of 20th Avenue and 66th Street. This is not just any street corner; it’s a treacherous crossing where cars often speed by recklessly, posing a significant risk to everyone who uses it. Pedestrians need to navigate cars whipping by on 20th Avenue while also looking out for cars trying to turn from 66th Street on to 20th Avenue (and those drivers are watching for oncoming cars much more often than crossing people), all while also trying to see around numerous double-parked cars.

Making this location particularly critical is an elementary school a block away on 67th Street, and numerous centers for older adults nearby. Ensuring this intersection is a safe crossing is a necessity, not a luxury.

Just recently, a young nurse named Jiayi Zheng was killed crossing the street near her workplace due to similar dangers. These pedestrian deaths are unacceptable.

As a mother of two, I worry about the speeding cars and double-parked vehicles that reduce visibility. Parents like myself and other residents urgently need the Department of Transportation to intervene and take action before the unthinkable happens.

Statistics reveal that intersections lacking traffic signals have higher incidences of pedestrian accidents. New York City intersections equipped with traffic signals that give pedestrians a seven-second head start are associated with a 33% reduction in fatal and non-fatal injuries (source: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 2025). Implementing a traffic light at 20th Avenue and 66th Street can provide a structured environment where pedestrians, including vulnerable populations like children and the elderly with mobility issues, feel secure and protected.

We need our local government to prioritize street safety and take preventive measures to protect our community. Installing a traffic light will not only calm traffic but will also ensure that drivers remain aware and considerate of pedestrians crossing. At minimum, if there is some reason a traffic light cannot be installed, two-way stop signs would at least be an improvement.

Let’s bring peace of mind to the families, educators, seniors, and community members who deserve to navigate their neighborhood safely. Sign this petition to demand immediate action from the Department of Transportation. Together, we can make a change for our community’s safety.

Council Member Susan Zhuang
District 43