Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets Congratulate Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers Becoming New Chair of City Council's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“We send a big congratulations to Council Member Brooks-Powers on her selection as chair of the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Council Member Brooks-Powers has a strong record of fighting for communities and workers throughout her service in government and labor and she will provide the strong leadership needed to advance policies that deliver a more equitable, healthier, and sustainable city. We are confident that Council Member Brooks-Powers will build upon the City Council’s successful work on Open Streets, Vision Zero, and the NYC Streets Plan. We are also ready to collaborate with her on implementing NYC 25x25, which would ensure more reliable bus service and safe, interconnected bike lane networks in her district and beyond.” 

“The status quo on our streets has failed New Yorkers for far too long – especially Black and Brown communities and those who live in transit deserts like many in Southeast Queens. Alongside Speaker Adrienne Adams, we look forward to working with Council Member Brooks-Powers, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the entire City Council to advance measures that build streets for people, implement NYC 25x25, and get Vision Zero back on track.”

Statement from Families for Safe Streets Steering Committee Member Devan Sipher:

“As New York City emerges from a year of painful, record-breaking traffic violence, our city must use the proven tools to restore the promise of Vision Zero. This means investing in street redesigns that both slow down drivers and physically protect more vulnerable street users, as well as an expansion of automated enforcement. Families for Safe Streets members from across the five boroughs are excited to partner with Council Member Brooks-Powers in this work as she chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and we send our deepest congratulations to her as she assumes this new role.” 

“As in all corners of the City, preventable traffic violence has destroyed numerous lives in Council Member Brooks-Powers’ district recently. Over the past five years, there have sadly been 25 traffic fatalities and more than 7,500 injuries – more than four on average each day – in Council District 31. This district is ranked seventh out of the 51 council districts for number of pedestrian fatalities over the past two years. Whether in Southeast Queens or any other neighborhood, we envision a city where residents can get around without fear of death on our streets. Working alongside Council Member Brooks-Powers, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Speaker Adrienne Adams, we can ensure that New York City passes laws and funds programs that end the carnage on our streets.”