Yes, we need to create wider sidewalks and bike lanes. At the same time, we need to reduce congestion, and ease people's commute. Throughout NYC, we have seen increasing implementation of audible countdown lights at crosswalks, which are enourmously helpful to seniors and the visually disabled, and should be more aggressively installed citywide. Also, the Red Light Camera program has assisted in traffic enforcement and has a significant impact on the frequency of traffic violations at major intersections. This program should also be expanded. we have also seen a new program where the NYC DOT has placed bike lanes between the parking lane and the sidewalk. these changes can help protect bicyclists from drivers. In my own district, Queens boulevard has earned a reputation as the 'Boulevard of Death.' Woodhaven Boulevard is also notoriously dangerous for pedestrians and drivers alike. In high casualty corridors like these, the programs I've mentioned MUST be expanded. Furthermore, the roadways themselves can be lowered at the most dangerous intersections to bring the flow of vehicle traffic below pedestrian traffic, saving more lives in the process.

I would support measures to slow drivers down. Red light cameras should be installed at the city's busiest intersections and speed bumps and other speed reducing structures need to be implemented in the intersections with the highest pedestrian volume. Research has shown that reducing the width of actual lanes is the most effective way to slow traffic. The new protected bike lanes being installed between parking lanes and sidewalks can have just that effect, while creating a safer environment for bicyclists.

Yes, i support stronger sanctions and policies to keep these drivers off the road. We need to create steeper penalties for these offenders to deter this behavior. It may be possible to acheive that end by strengthening the current Red Light Camera program. Since drivers with suspended or revoked licenses are also more likely to run a red light, the cameras can be linked to the database of suspended licenses, and whenever a plate linked to a suspended license runs a light, an investigation would be triggered, and violator's vehicles would be confiscated. We can also require that suspended licenses be checked against an offender's insurance registration, and require that their vehicles be confiscated if there are no other drivers authorized to use their vehicle.

The MTA is arguably the lifeblood of NYC’s economy, and NYC is the economic engine that fuels the state’s prosperity. The State government does not seem to be in touch with that fact, because they have allowed the MTA to slip into crisis over and over, threatening the economy, and the jobs of all New Yorkers. Concrete steps can be taken to bring in funding to the MTA: 1) Tolls can be placed on the east river bridges that apply to all drivers from outside of the 5 boros. This would encouarage distance commuters to use the MTA more often, while simultaneously saving money on maintenance for the bridges. 2) Congestion pricing should be passed, immediately. 3) The MTA should revise standing capital plans to make them more competitive for federal funding toward projects like light rail systems. 4) Statewide, millions of dollars in capital funds are unused or wastefully spent because agencies don’t have productive ways to spend their funds. Capital funds expenditures should be audited, and unspent funds should be reallocated to agencies that are desperate for that funding, like the MTA. 4) Finally, as a state senator, I will lobby hard in DC for additional funding for ALL of my districts priorities, including public transportation.

Yes, I support the Cross Harbor Freight tunnel and the restoration of the toll on the Verrazano. Additionally, I believe it is possible to use Federal Transportation funds to remodel curbsides on residential streets to impede the turning radius of commercial traffic, preventing the intrusion of shipping vehicles into our communities.

New York City suffers from an imbalanced share of the burden for our roads and bridges. Tolls need to be raised in some areas of the state. It costs $5.50 per car each way to cross many toll roads in NYC, while the Newburgh bridge is a mere $1 on the eastbound side only. In order to fund maintenance in the city, bridges without tolls should have an out of town and commercial traffic toll introduced. Weigh stations should be used more often in the city wherever possible. Higher levels of accountability must be introduced for contractors who build roadways that deteriorate. I will also work hard to secure federal grants and funds and direct them towards enhancing our city’s commuter infrastructure.