Brooklyn, NY – Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (AD-52) announced the introduction of legislation A09985 /S09769 with Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (SD-47) to amend New York State’s vehicle and traffic law that exempts New York City from the state’s daylighting law. This bill would improve street visibility at intersections and enhance pedestrian safety. Community Boards across the city have recently passed resolutions in support of universal daylighting. 

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “We are seeing far too many preventable fatalities and injuries from crashes at intersections throughout the city. New York City has long been exempt from the state's daylighting law, and that exemption is no longer justifiable. The community is still reeling from the untimely death of a 7-year-old in Prospect Heights after being struck by a driver who was not able to see him at the intersection. Universal daylighting is a simple, effective way to improve street visibility and keep such tragedies from happening to anyone else." She continued, "I’ve introduced legislation with Senator Hoylman-Sigal to remove the city’s exemption from daylighting at intersections so that New Yorkers have a fighting chance to navigate our streets safely. This measure has broad support from Community Boards across the city, and I’m thankful to them for their forward-thinking work.”

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: “There is no reason that New York City, home to more traffic related crashes than any other city in the state, should be exempt from New York State’s universal daylighting law. Daylighting, or banning parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, helps increase visibility for pedestrians crossing the street and drivers turning at intersections. This is a proven safety measure that can reduce traffic violence and save lives. It’s time to pass the bill that Assembly Member Simon and I have introduced (S.9769) and make universal daylighting a reality, all across New York State.”

"Daylighting is a simple and effective way to bolster street safety in our communities. At a moment when cyclist and pedestrian injuries and deaths are at a 25-year high, we have to take necessary steps to safeguard our neighbors – pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. There is no reason why New York City should be exempt from New York State’s universal daylighting law. It's time for my colleagues in Albany to pass A09985/S09769, and I commend Assemblymember Simon and Senator Hoylman-Sigal on their steadfast leadership on this issue," said Council Member Crystal Hudson.

"Daylighting is one of the most effective tools for keeping everyone safe at intersections. With pedestrian injuries and fatalities still far too common, Community Board 6 is proud to be among the growing chorus of communities asking for New York City to no longer exempt itself from state daylighting requirements. We salute Assemblymember Simon for introducing this bill and for her continued support of policies that prioritize the safety of all New Yorkers," said Doug Gordan, Transportation Chair for Brooklyn Community Board 6.

“Ensuring that drivers, cyclists and pedestrians see each other at intersections is a simple and easy way to reduce crashes – and is an important tool in reducing fatalities and injuries,”said Jessica Chait, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 4.

Current New York State law prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; however, state law exempts cities with a population in excess of one million. This bill would repeal the exemption and thus require New York City to begin implementing daylighting at intersections immediately. Nothing in state law currently prevents the City from taking action now to implement universal daylighting.

A recent study by the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Corporation (PHNDC) from November of 2023 has found that not a single intersection of the thickly settled neighborhood of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, follows daylighting. There have been two tragic deaths of individuals at intersections in the vicinity in 2023, one of whom was a 7-year-old child crossing near his school. The intersections along Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights ranked among the top 10% of Brooklyn streets for persons killed or being badly injured from 2016 to 2020.

Daylighting is proven to increase pedestrians' visibility as they cross the street. Universal daylighting can effectively remove blind spots, giving vehicles more lead time and a broader view to spot pedestrians at intersections. 

Across New York City, Community Boards have been calling for universal daylighting of intersections with physical barriers. Motions have been passed by Queens Community Boards 1, 2, 3, 6, and 13, Bronx Community Board 5, Brooklyn Community Boards 1 and 6, Manhattan Community Boards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8, as well as by the Transportation Committees of Brooklyn Community Board 8 and Manhattan Community Board 5. These Community Boards represent 80% of New Yorkers, highlighting the grassroots nature of this legislation. This bill would codify the work of the Community Boards.