You Told Us is a regular feature where we highlight comments from users in the communities DNAinfo covers.
UPPER EAST SIDE — Pedestrian deaths in the neighborhood are on the rise, and residents say the mayor's Vision Zero plan is doing nothing to help.
The Upper East Side has already seen seven pedestrian fatalities this year, the highest total in the past four years, according to the Department of Transportation.
The most recent fatal accident claimed the life of 73-year-old Blanca Pagan who was mowed down by a white van taking a right turn on York Avenue and East 89th Street on Oct. 7.
In response to the statistics, readers took to Neighborhood Square to weigh in on the issue, with many pointing to the lack of enforcement as reason for the uptick.
► "What is the point of Vision Zero if it doesn't include a concerted effort to require the NYPD to enforce the law in ticketing drivers for the kind of behavior which is killing people? Vision Zero has been a resounding failure because it hasn't addressed the real reasons why dangerous driving has gotten to be such an accepted culture in this city. De Blasio didn't challenge any of the established attitudes and practices which have perpetuated this culture," writes eddie_eagle.
► "I've never seen NYPD enforcement of anything related to driving on the UES. Drivers blow red lights all the day with no consequences. The one time I saw a car pulled over for running a light I looked up surprised but then realized I was in the next precinct," psulliv said.
► "Maybe the 19 precinct can focus less on the cyclists who the very vocal few complain about who have had zero impact on the increase in pedestrian deaths and instead put that focus onto dangerous driving behavior that is responsible for the uptick, and who's victims no longer have a voice with which to complain," walksbikesdrives wrote.
Some blamed the local traffic patterns.
► "Whether it's possible or not, all lights should be set to allow pedestrians to cross with no car traffic. Looking at 3-4 cars turning on to York as I cross is terrifying. The cars slow down and often turn, swerving behind me or in front of me as I cross. Add the bikers who ride through lights against traffic and you have nonstop threatening situations, statistics notwithstanding. Since when should a pedestrian crossing a one-way bike lane to get to the crossing space have to look both ways on a one-way street," said LuBallou09.
And others say they fear it will only get worse.
► "It's only going to get worse when the recycling facility opens at 90th St and 1000 giant garbage trucks, hauling heavy loads, barrel through the neighborhood at top speeds all hours of the day and night," anewsjunkie said.
