Traffic signals at more than 2,000 intersections in New York City now have a pedestrian head start, making them the "unsung heroes" of Vision Zero.
Part of New York City's Vision Zero program, an effort to eliminate pedestrian deaths by 2024, are the use of pedestrian head starts. Retiming traffic signals so weak signals illuminate as much as seven seconds before the green light for cars appears is a quiet but effective tool for pedestrian safety.
'Polly Trottenberg, the city’s transportation commissioner, said the head starts “truly are the unsung heroes of Vision Zero.”'
Pedestrian head starts have been installed at more than 2,300 intersections across the city, with an additional 800 being added in 2017, in a system of nearly 13,000 traffic signals. The National Association of City Transportation Officials calls pedestrian head starts, or "leading pedestrian intervals," a best practice.
FULL STORY: Giving Pedestrians a Head Start Crossing Streets
On the Life-Saving Potential of Leading Pedestrian Intervals
Giving pedestrians a head start at crosswalks is a simple fix that could save lots of lives. New York City has already seen a significant reduction in fatalities and injuries.
Staten Island Hasn't Seen the Good Side of Vision Zero
The early results of New York City's far reaching Vision Zero initiative to reduce traffic fatalities to zero has produced positive results—everywhere except Staten Island.
NYC Pedestrian Deaths Rose in 2024
The city’s Vision Zero efforts seem to have stalled.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions