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

A leading pedestrian interval, or LPI, lights up the pedestrian signal a few seconds before vehicular traffic gets the green. This gives pedestrians
a head start into the intersection and makes it less likely that they will be hit by vehicles turning into the crosswalk. LPI's are also known by their sassier nickname, Pedestrian Head Start. But in my view the best variation on what LPI stands for comes from Christine Berthet of the Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Association, who proposes "Life Preserving Interval."

Transportation Alternatives has recently begun a push to make these more common in New York City. Here's hoping our video (featuring some nice visuals from TOPP's own Carly Clark) can help argue the case.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Gale’s A-Blowin’: Brewer Abandons Daylighting Bill After Push By Parking-First DOT

DOT's anti-daylighting "scare tactics" have peeled off Council Member Gale Brewer, who says the policy will gobble up too many parking spots.

September 30, 2025

DATA: Not Paying Fines? Keep Speeding, Says New York City

It's yet another case of "anything goes" for drivers in Adams's New York.

September 30, 2025

Bike Data Shows Huge Demand on Vanderbilt Ave. As Adams Administration Dithers

New stats show an immediate need for bike infrastructure on the crucial north-south connector.

September 30, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Fuel for Thought Edition

Forgive us if we're not jumping for joy that the city fleet is using less fossil fuel. Yes, it's a good trend, but cars are still cars. Plus other news.

September 30, 2025

Scofflaws Beware! Hoboken to Launch Automated Parking Enforcement

New York City should take note of what is going on in a city that has not had a traffic fatality since 2017.

September 29, 2025
See all posts