CNN —
Indulging in a slice of iconic New York pizza, enjoying a leisurely stroll through the verdant paths of Central Park, and navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan are more than just activities; they are deeply entrenched experiences that countless tourists aspire to savor. For residents, however, jaywalking—crossing streets without waiting for traffic signals—has become an almost ceremonial rite, one that reflects the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.
With recent legal changes now in effect, jaywalking has been legalized in New York City, although visitors should remember to exercise caution and look both ways before following locals into the street, as the streets can still be treacherous.
In a landmark move, the City Council voted in September to decriminalize jaywalking, allowing pedestrians greater freedom to cross streets whenever they choose, a bill that became law last weekend after Mayor Eric Adams chose neither to sign nor veto it in the legally mandated 30-day period.
What was once forbidden in New York since 1958, jaywalking carried hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to $250, significantly influencing pedestrian behavior and enforcement practices.
Yet, the decision to allow jaywalking is not without risks. Alarming statistics reveal that over the past five years, 200 individuals lost their lives while attempting to cross the street unlawfully or against traffic signals, accounting for approximately 34% of all pedestrian fatalities, according to data released by the New York City Department of Transportation.
Proponents of the new legislation, including Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, assert that this measure represents a significant stride toward enhancing racial equity in law enforcement practices, as police have historically been criticized for disproportionately targeting people of color for jaywalking violations.
Narcisse highlighted the striking statistic that in 2023, a staggering 92% of jaywalking citations were issued to Black and Latino New Yorkers, underscoring the need for reform.
With the law officially in place, Narcisse expressed optimism that law enforcement can now prioritize genuine community safety concerns rather than penalizing individuals for crossing the street.
“Police officers have shared with me that they prefer to prioritize true public safety efforts, rather than being burdened by the task of issuing tickets for crossing the street recklessly,” she stated, reinforcing the call for focused law enforcement.
While the new jaywalking law is set to come into full effect in February, it is crucial to remember that the risks inherent in this long-standing practice have not been eliminated.
Liz Garcia, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, cautioned against the dangers associated with jaywalking, emphasizing that the legislation underlines the importance of safety as crossing against traffic lights remains perilous behavior.
“All road users are safer when everyone adheres to traffic regulations,” she remarked, urging pedestrians to utilize designated safety mechanisms like crosswalks and to always cross when the signal indicates it’s safe to do so.
With millions of tourists visiting New York City each year—62.2 million in 2023 alone, as reported by the Office of the New York State Comptroller—it’s crucial to recognize that while residents may be accustomed to jaywalking, the practice can pose unique risks for visitors unfamiliar with the city’s aggressive traffic patterns.
Experts suggest that while individuals from different cultures may navigate street crossings in a safe manner, many visitors may instinctively adhere to traffic signals out of caution, making them less likely to jaywalk recklessly.
Schwebel indicated that in various Asian nations, jaywalking is common, often characterized by pedestrians crossing one lane at a time, waiting in the median to cross subsequent lanes. This behavior, however, is largely alien to New York and could result in dangerous misunderstandings between drivers and pedestrians.
Enhancing awareness of one’s surroundings remains crucial, regardless of whether jaywalking is a part of your navigation strategy or not. The safest practice is to utilize designated crossings and check for oncoming traffic before stepping into the roadway.
For added safety, pedestrians are encouraged to make eye contact with drivers to confirm that they have been seen, particularly during nighttime or in low-visibility conditions such as fog or rain to minimize any potential dangers.
**Interview with Council Member Mercedes Narcisse on NYC Jaywalking Law**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Council Member Narcisse. With the recent legalization of jaywalking in New York City, what prompted this change?
**Mercedes Narcisse:** Thank you for having me. This change is rooted in a comprehensive look at our community and the disparities that have existed in law enforcement. Historically, the penalties for jaywalking disproportionately affected communities of color. In fact, 92% of citations in 2023 were issued to Black and Latino New Yorkers, which highlighted the urgent need for reform.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant statistic. How do you believe this law will impact public safety in the city?
**Mercedes Narcisse:** By decriminalizing jaywalking, we’re encouraging a shift in law enforcement priorities. We want police to focus on genuine public safety concerns rather than punishing individuals for crossing streets. It’s about enhancing community safety without the burden of petty citations that can lead to larger issues of distrust between law enforcement and the community.
**Interviewer:** But with this newfound freedom, where do you see the balance between pedestrian rights and street safety?
**Mercedes Narcisse:** It’s critical that pedestrians remain cautious. Jaywalking, while no longer a crime, still comes with risks—especially in a city known for its aggressive traffic. That’s why I urge all pedestrians to stay aware and use crosswalks whenever possible. Our goal is to empower residents while also ensuring their safety.
**Interviewer:** The statistics regarding pedestrian fatalities are quite concerning. Do you believe this law could have unintended consequences?
**Mercedes Narcisse:** Safety must always be our priority. It’s vital to remember that just because jaywalking is legal, it doesn’t mean we should ignore the importance of traffic regulations. We encourage cautious behavior, and I believe that education around these new changes can mitigate risks.
**Interviewer:** What would you say to visitors who may be unfamiliar with the city’s traffic patterns and might feel emboldened by this new law?
**Mercedes Narcisse:** It’s crucial for visitors to be mindful. New York City’s streets can be daunting, and while residents may be used to navigating them quickly, I would advise visitors to take their time and always look both ways. We want everyone to enjoy our city safely.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Council Member Narcisse, for sharing your insights on this important issue.
**Mercedes Narcisse:** Thank you for having me. Let’s work together to ensure that NYC remains a vibrant and safe place for all.
