Making Streets Safer for Seniors

Senior citizens account for a disproportional amount of pedestrian fatalities and injuries in New York City. As a result, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made plans to focus on improving mobility and safety for the city's over-60 population.

1 minute read

February 7, 2008, 6:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"Late last month, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a series of transportation improvements aimed at older New Yorkers. Bloomberg's plan, dubbed 'Safe Streets for Seniors,' promises traffic engineering improvements at 25 high-accident areas that are especially problematic for aging residents."

"For many older people, New York City streets are hostile turf. According to research by Transportation Alternatives, residents age 60 or over make up only 13 percent of the population, but account for more than 33 percent of all pedestrian injuries and fatalities."

"Although pedestrian fatalities declined sharply in 2007, one third of the 138 pedestrians killed by cars on New York City streets were seniors. And as the elderly population grows -- the Department of City Planning predicts a 44 percent increase in residents age 65 and older by 2030 -- the need for infrastructure designed with older New Yorkers in mind becomes more pressing."

Friday, February 1, 2008 in The Gotham Gazette

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

September 23 - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

September 23 - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

September 23 - Smart Cities Dive