Constantinides bill would cross jaywalking off list of NYC offenses

A New York City crosswalk. Photo via Wikimedia

By David Brand

New York City could cross crossing outside the crosswalk off a list of municipal offenses if an Astoria councilmember’s new bill passes. 

Councilmember Costa Constantinides’ legislation would decriminalize jaywalking, citing arbitrary enforcement that disproportionately affects Black and Latino New Yorkers.

“Every New Yorker crosses in the middle of the block, but that can end in a ticket depending on your skin color,” Constantinides said. “It’s beyond time we end this system by changing these outdated rules, which no longer reflect New York City’s modern day streetscape.” 

State law already allows people to cross anywhere in the street as long as there is no traffic. Individuals who receive a jaywalking ticket in New York City must head to court and pay a fine, though drivers who receive traffic or parking tickets may pay online.

Black and Latino New Yorkers received nearly 90 percent of the 397 jaywalking tickets issued in 2019, Streetsblog reported. Nearly 40 percent of those tickets were issued to Black and Latino New Yorkers in three Bronx police precincts. 

Families for Safe Streets founding member Hsi-Pei Liao praised the legislation and said the jaywalking ban does little to protect pedestrians. 

"Most pedestrians killed or severely injured on New York City streets are struck walking in the crosswalk, with the signal, by turning drivers," said Liao, whose 3-year-old daughter Allison was killed by a driver while holding her grandmother's hand.

“Enforcement against so-called jaywalking doesn't address the most dangerous behaviors by drivers, and perpetuates the myth that victims are responsible for their own deaths on our streets,” Liao added.