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

Wiki Wednesday: Twenty’s Plenty

7:01 PM EST on February 4, 2009

Excellent StreetsWiki use by Streetsblog regular ddartley, who added the pic you see below to the entry on 20 mph zones. From author Andy Hamilton:

twentys_plenty.jpg

In July 2008, the British Medical Association called for theapplication of 20 mph zones throughout residential neighborhoods, notjust in the vicinity of schools, where they are commonly applied.Stockport public health director Dr. Stephen Watkins stated that "achild hit at 20mph has a 5% chance of dying compared to 50% at 30mph."He noted the difference between a two mile journey at 20mph and a twomile journey at 40 mph was just three minutes. "We are killing ourchildren for the sake of a couple of minutes," he said.

And since we're in stimulus mode, here's another excerpt:

The UK study of best traffic practices across the Europe and the U.K.concluded that 20 mph streets also increased pedestrian activity,bicycling, a sense of safety among residents, and economic activity. The study cited evidence from the city of Horsham, U.K., where 20 mphspeed limits, along with a bypass road, public arts, gardens, and otherpedestrian amenities have lead to the opening of new shops andrestaurants, and a higher level of overall economic activity.

Okay, I'm convinced. Let's get some shovels in the ground on those ped safety plans.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Can We Just Keep Cars Off the Queensbridge Baby Greenway?

Why do we allow car drivers to park on greenways, in parks and on tree beds?

March 29, 2024

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 all posts