Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Pedestrian Infrastructure

Streetfilms: Introducing the Pedestrian Peek-a-Boo

11:26 AM EST on January 12, 2009

This excellent Streetfilm from Robin Urban Smith and Clarence Eckerson is another in a series of vids on cheap and effective streetscape alterations that improve safety for all users. Writes Robin: 

Daylighting is a simple pedestrian safetymeasure achieved by removing parking spaces adjacent to curbsaround an intersection, increasing visibility for pedestrians and drivers andminimizing conflicts. It's beneficial to young and old, but is especially helpful to children, who often cannot see, or be seen by, oncoming traffic. By removing parking adjacent to the crosswalk, thechild does not have to wade into the street to see vehicles entering the intersection.At the same time, drivers don't have to roll into the crosswalkto see if pedestrians are waiting to cross.

As you'll see, daylighting is popular with pedestrians across the city (along with at least one driver). And DOT is on the case, replacing parking at some intersections with curbing, which can then support greenery, extra sidewalk space, or bike racks. Of course, there are thousands of streets that could use the same treatment.

Finally, the Streetfilms crew thinks the term "daylighting" is "a little stale," and asks viewers to come up with their own terms. Clarence suggests "Pedestrian Peek-a-Boo." If you can top that one, have at it.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Maximum Rage: Delivery Workers Protest Low Wages, App ‘Lockouts’

Couriers with bikes and signs urge the city to step in as Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash withhold work, they say.

March 28, 2024

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Company That Fought McGuinness Safety Project Wants to Seize Bklyn Street for Private Backlot

Broadway Stages to Greenpoint residents: "Street safety for me, not for thee."

March 28, 2024

SEE IT: Hit-and-Run Driver With Fake Plate Seriously Injures Cyclist

The 5 p.m. crash occurred at Flushing and Waverly avenue near the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

March 28, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Shakira Shakira Edition

Pop superstar Shakira performed for a crowd of 40,000 packed into the Times Square pedestrian plazas. Plus congestion pricing news and more.

March 28, 2024
See all posts