Over 100 NYC Nabes Vie for 13 'Safe Zones'

The city Department of Transportation announced plans to install 13 Safe Zones throughout the five boroughs, and over 100 local groups have already applied for the designation in their neighborhood, according to Transportation Alternatives.

Safe zones reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph and include traffic calming measures like speed bumps and markings. According to Transportation Alternatives, a pedestrian has a 98 percent chance of surviving a collision with a car traveling at 20 mph as opposed to 30 mph.

One of the zones proposed is located in Boerum Hill, spanning the area between Atlantic Avenue and Union Street and Smith Street and Third Avenue.

Other community groups that have applied for safe zone designation include Park Slope Civic Council, Brownsville Partnership, Rego Park Green Alliance, the Bronx Helpers as well as a group of residents in Clinton Hill.

"Today’s announcement is a victory for these neighborhoods," said Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. "Local residents have been clamoring for safe zones to protect themselves and their families from dangerous speeding. As the majority of speeding-related fatalities occur on neighborhood streets, communities in all five boroughs will need safe zones of their own."

The first safe zone was installed in the Claremont section of the Bronx last November before the DOT began accepting applications for installations across the city.

The DOT will review applications and select appropriate locations with the approval of local community boards.