A pilot program on Clarkson Street creates a safe zone for students, with advocates pushing for wider citywide adoption.
A pilot program on Clarkson Street creates a safe zone for students, with advocates pushing for wider citywide adoption.
· Updated
New York City has opened its first permanently gated school street on Clarkson Street, a move celebrated by street safety advocates. The initiative, which aims to create safer environments for children entering and exiting school, was developed through a collaboration involving Streetsblog's sister organization, Open Plans, and the Department of Transportation.
This type of "school street" intervention, where a street is closed to traffic to allow children to play or access school safely, is common in cities like Paris but remains rare in New York. While some schools utilize temporary barricades, the Clarkson Street location is the city's first permanent installation.
Advocates are urging the city to expand these safe zones to all of the approximately 1,400 school buildings across the five boroughs. The success of the Clarkson Street pilot was significantly influenced by the advocacy and funding provided by non-profit groups.
When asked about the potential for citywide expansion, Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn expressed that the department is closely examining such initiatives. He noted the need to consider funding, maintenance, and operational aspects before committing to broader implementation, while acknowledging the potential benefits and learning from international examples like Paris.
FAQ
What is a "school street"?
A school street is a street adjacent to a school that is closed to vehicle traffic to create a safer environment for children.
Will more gated school streets be installed in the city?
The Department of Transportation is currently evaluating the feasibility and potential for expanding gated school streets citywide.
