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

DOT Expanding Use of “Life Preserving Intervals,” With More to Come

One more tidbit from last Friday's Regional Plan Association shindig: During the Q&A session at the "Cars vs. Bikes vs. Pedestrians" panel (a title that seemed unnecessarily provocative to moderator Trent Lethco, RPA board member and transportation consultant with engineering firm Arup, until he concluded that it "reflects realities"), I asked about leading pedestrian intervals.

An LPI, also known informally as a "Life Preserving Interval," lets pedestrians enter the crosswalk before turning drivers get a green signal. It seems like a cheap and effective way to reduce injuries and deaths caused by turning drivers, but I wondered if there must be a hidden downside, since they are not more widely used.

Sam Schwartz answered first. He said LPIs were invented in New York, in the 1980s, and that they have a limited impact on vehicular capacity. Jon Orcutt said DOT has been adding LPIs at more intersections (watch the Streetfilm for LPI locations circa 2008) and "would like to get to the point where it's the default."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Monday’s Headlines: Presidents Day Edition

We'll take the day off for the holiday, but we'll still give you a full roundup of news.

February 17, 2025

State DOT Finally Offers Up Proposal To Repair the Cross Bronx Without Expanding It

An option that doesn't involve a parallel road that carries highway traffic but still creates a new east-west connection, had not initially been on the table.

February 17, 2025

U.S. DOT Moves to Rescind Billions for ‘Woke’ Transportation on Feb. 18 — So Advocates Must Speak Up Now

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has promised to call on Congress to slash vast funding for climate and DEIA.

February 14, 2025

Friday Video: Catch the Green Wave

Even the Times loves it.

February 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Pressure on City Hall Edition

The MTA needs more and more money from the city — is Mayor Adams too distracted to ensure New York City gets bang for its buck? Plus more news.

February 14, 2025
See all posts