You Told Us is a regular feature highlighting comments from users in the communities DNAinfo covers.
YORKVILLE — Readers were divided over what to do about a traffic pattern at East 79th Street and York Avenue that residents say is confusing and putting pedestrians in danger.
Although the pedestrian "Don't Walk" signal is on, residents say many use their "New York instinct" and assume they can cross East 79th Street when the light turns red for southbound traffic on York Avenue.
It's only when they're halfway across the road that they realize that northbound traffic is still moving, they explained.
Members of Community Board 8 last week called on the city's Department of Transportation to change the traffic light pattern at the intersection so that both south- and northbound cars are given a red light at the same time and to remove a left turn signal.
Readers took to Neighborhood Square to weigh in on the issue, with some saying no changes were needed at the intersection and that the carelessness of pedestrians is the real issue.
► "So because people here feel 'entitled' to cross whenever they want to (just like they feel entitled with everything else), they now feel the city should change the lights since they want to cross whenever they feel like it? Give me a break. More NY'ers who just want the world to beckon at their call. Cross when it says to cross, the end," one Neighborhood Square user said.
► "The traffic pattern is fine, but people's inattention is the problem. If the sign says 'Don't Walk', it means don't walk. It's not there for a street decoration. The city should not have to spend money for peoples stupidity, or, as you call it use of "instincts" rather than attention. In addition, perhaps if "Walking With Electronics" were made an offense, less pedestrians would be injured," another said.
► "Or, you could check the light that says 'don't walk' and look both ways. Problem solved! I know, it's really advanced stuff," said one reader.
► "My concern for taking out that turn lane is for cars and drivers trying to rush the red light and making turns that would put pedestrians in greater harm. I would much rather give cars a light and tell pedestrians to stop than the other way around," another said.
Others said changes could be made to make the crossing safer.
► "Why does this safety issue become about entitlement or being a New Yorker? This is about safety of people. Does anyone really care? Yes you should look at and read traffic signals but it is very unusual to have the northbound and southbound traffic lights change at different times. Have a heart people! I saw a woman almost get hit there yesterday because she wasn't paying attention. Does that mean she deserves to get hit?? I think the light should be changed so north and southbound lanes are in sync!" one person wrote.
► "I live at E 79th Street and East End Avenue and cross at the intersection in question quite often. The prudent thing to do, is to change the traffic pattern back to the way it was several years ago. Stop all traffic simultaneously. Safety First!" one reader wrote.
► "The main issue is that is relatively uncommon to have a red light in one direction with continued green for traffic going the opposite direction. People just don't expect it. I was fooled myself a couple of times after the DOT changed the light pattern, until I figured it out," another commented.
► Council Member Ben Kallos, should be in a position with clout to get the Department of Transportation of[f] its 'can,' or it may take months before the city agency will 'look into potential changes.' 1 death and 17 injuries demands the trouble be fixed within days," said another reader.
