How Government Thinks About Transportation
DOT Deputy Commissioner Michael Primeggia provided the day’s highlight when he used the traffic engineering term “pedestrian interference” in describing how a street’s “Level of Service” is calculated. What a priceless glimpse inside the mind of the man who, essentially, owns and operates New York City’s streets. The next time you’re almost hit by an aggressive SUV driver while crossing the street, think of yourself not as a victim but as “pedestrian interference” impeding that motorist’s Level of Service. As for all of the activities that Danish urban designer Jan Gehl refers to as “public life?” Turns out it’s actually “pedestrian interference.”