Families who lost loved ones in traffic crashes gathered along Canal Street in Manhattan on Wednesday night, renewing calls for safety improvements on one of the borough’s busiest corridors.
The vigil and rally, organized by the advocacy group Families for Safe Streets, brought together relatives of crash victims and street safety advocates who say the mile-long roadway remains dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
What You Need To Know
Families who lost loved ones in traffic crashes gathered on Canal Street to call for safety improvements
Advocates say 21 people have been killed or seriously injured along the corridor since 2022
The city plans to redesign the street to improve crosswalks, sidewalks and bike connections
Construction on the first phase of the redesign could begin in July
Samuel Rivera said he joined the group after his 18-year-old son was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2014 while riding a scooter.
“He had a good future ahead of him and it was cut short. Can you imagine, 18 years old?” Rivera said.
Rivera said he continues to advocate for safer streets not only in memory of his son, but for other families affected by traffic violence.
“They need justice, and we’ve been fighting for justice for my son, and I’m fighting not only for justice for my son but all these other folks who lost a husband, a wife, a son, a daughter,” he said.
Advocates walked along Canal Street during the event, placing flowers and signs bearing victims’ names at intersections where fatal crashes have occurred.
Transportation Alternatives said 21 people have been killed or seriously injured along Canal Street since 2022. The corridor, known for heavy vehicle and foot traffic, has been a priority under the city’s Vision Zero traffic safety initiative since 2015.
Kate Brockwehl of Families for Safe Streets said the crashes could be prevented if the city moves forward with planned changes.
“These crashes are all preventable. We know how to prevent it. DOT has a plan, they just have to do it,” Brockwehl said.
The city Department of Transportation recently unveiled a proposal to redesign Canal Street that would ease pedestrian crowding, improve sidewalk accessibility, make crosswalks safer, simplify complex intersections and strengthen connections to nearby bike lanes.
Advocates also want the speed limit on the Manhattan Bridge reduced from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour after a high-speed crash near the bridge exit at Canal Street and Bowery last year killed two people — one riding a bicycle and another sitting on a nearby bench.
“To drive onto and kill someone on a bike on a sidewalk, someone sitting on a bench is not acceptable,” Brockwehl said. “I don’t want to live in that city. None of us should.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation said the agency is working on a redesign plan for the corridor.
“Canal Street feels like a highway that divides Manhattan neighborhoods and doesn’t work well for anyone, whether you’re driving, walking or on a bike,” the spokesperson said. “We are actively developing a redesign to improve safety and look forward to sharing a refined plan this spring.”