RIOC Installs New Roosevelt Island Slow Down Traffic Speed Cushion On East Loop Road Next To Cornell Tech Campus In Bicycle Lane, Not In Car Lane - Why?

Last January a Roosevelt Island resident asked:

... do you have any updates on the speed bumps.? A few days ago I was walking on the sidewalk near 540 next to the pet store. Someone sped out of the Side of the building and almost hit me. Today just about 30 minutes ago a older man walking across the street near the elementary school was almost hit. When he confronted the driver and asked him to be careful the driver got out of the car and yelled at the elderly man. This issue needs to be corrected. Speed bumps and give tickets. I have seen public safety give numerous tickets for illegal u turns but never saw them stop people speeding or running through stop signs.

Last March, another resident tweeted:

During 3/15 Roosevelt Island Residents Association Public Safety committee meeting, @RIOCny Public Safety Chief said speed “cushions”, not bumps or humps will be installed on Main Street. No timetable given but expected soon. Watch video explaining plan. https://t.co/XAiAVOwxAQ

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 26, 2022

At least one speed cushion was in place on the East Loop Road near the Cornell Tech campus today. However, for some reason the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) placed the speed cushion in the bicycle lane, apparently to slow down speeding bikes,

 and not in the car lane to slow down cars.

Here's the March 15 Roosevelt Island Residents Association Public Safety Committee meeting discussion about speed cushions with RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown.

UDPATE 5/10 - RIOC Tweets:

Why are speed cushions needed for Roosevelt Island bike lanes on East Loop road by @cornell_tech campus? Are bike riders going too fast in that area to create a safety issue for others? Seems unlikely.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 10, 2022

Maybe so cars don't use the bike lane

— Thierry Rolling (@T19R84) May 10, 2022

TBH, I generally loath bikes and bikers in the city, both as a motorist and as a pedestrian. But in the south end of Roosevelt Island? Not so much. Haven’t seen cars drag racing down there either. Maybe save the money.

— Peter Szekely (@peszeke) May 10, 2022

Watch Discussion Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Issues With RIOC Chief Kevin Brown During March 16 RIRA Public Safety Committee Meeting Last Night - Crime, Homeless, Dog Poop, Speed Cushions, Main Street Traffic Safety, Full PSD Staffing Levels & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown regularly attends meetings of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) chaired by Erin Feeley-Nahem continuing the community policing policy practices established by former PSD Chief Jack McManus.

Chief Brown reports to the PSC about recent PSD activities and learns about Roosevelt Island Public Safety concerns and issues from PSC members during these meetings. The dialogue is valuable in keeping lines of communications open between PSD and the Roosevelt Island community as well as an opportunity for the community to hear the perspective of PSD on a variety of issues. 

During last evening's March 15 PSC Committee meeting, Chief Brown reported:

• PSD staffing is back to full staffing after suffering shortages due to sickness from Covid 19,
• 4 PSD Officers were accepted into NYPD,
• Recent assault at Manhattan Park between 2 friends,
• Attempted Robbery At Subway Station
• Homeless Situation,
• Installation Of Speed Cushions, not Speed Bumps or Humps,
• PSD Officers to issue summons for persons seen not picking up their dog's poop,
• Main Street Pedestrian/Bike/Vehicle Traffic Safety
  

Here's the PSC meeting discussion.  

Contact RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem if you wish to participate in the April meeting with PSD Chief Kevin Brown.

Following Roosevelt Island Main Street Traffic Accidents Last Month, RIOC Public Safety Chief Says "We're Going To Put Speed Bumps On The Island ... Alot Of Them

As reported August 27, there were:

... 2 separate weekend incidents last Saturday and Sunday of cars hitting Roosevelt Island pedestrians as they were walking in the Main Street crosswalk...

... UPDATE 8/25 - Roosevelt Island residents react to the hit by car incidents last weekend:

• Cars don’t stop. They roll through STOP signs, I have seen the Red bus, PSD, delivery trucks do it, daily! I think it’s time for speed bumps! We now have motorized bikes, scooters Vespas driving on the promenades! Any thing motorized belongs on the street. Unless your 12 and under!
• Yes!! I am getting afraid Every time I cross the street..I have been almost hit more than once!
• We need more patrolling of bikes and cars- a lot more near misses than ever. And more visible stop signs
• They need to slow down! People don’t abide by the crosswalk driving there.
• I’m concerned that now that we are becoming a NYC hotspot with the Panorama Room we will have people driving onto the island and drinking. Public Safety needs to be diligent about traffic after dark.
  

During last evening's September 21 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, resident Mary Cavanaugh asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown about placing speed bumps on Main Street 

 to slow down traffic for greater pedestrian safety. Chief Brown replied:

Funny you say that....

We are going to put speed bumps on the Island... We're working on it right now. The speed bumps, they're going to be alot of them... 

... Get it done right away. Slow people down all around the Island. On Main Street from AVAC all the way to Blackwell and down and around Cornell and also around the roadway coming from Coler Hospital....

Ms Cavanaugh added:

I'm very, very happy to hear that. I'll be happier when I see them...that should prevent alot of accidents.

Speeding Car Loses Control, Jumps Sidewalk Curb And Crashed Into Column In Front Of Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park Gate Last Evening

A tipster reports a speeding car lost control, jumped sideawalk curb and crashed into a column

in front of the Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park gate last evening.

According to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety 24 Hour Incident Report:

03/23/21 – 1940 – East Loop Rd/South Loop RD – Vehicle Accident – PSD/NYPD/EMS/Tow Truck Co responded – Condition corrected.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Amy Smith reports:

According to our Public Safety Department (PSD), at about 1945 hours (7:40 PM) PSD observed a vehicle had crashed into a column at Southpoint Park. The driver was inattentive and seemed to have lost control of the vehicle. The driver refused medical attention. The vehicle was towed by a A9’s Automotive Inc.... 

An NYPD spokesperson added the incident was under investigation.

Resident Reports Speeding Revel Scooter Crash Early Morning Hours Last Weekend, Says Area Reeked Of Alcohol - Also, Late Night Revel Scooters Racing On Roosevelt Island Pedestrian Paths

The NY Times reported July 20:

A local television journalist died over the weekend, the police said, after she fell from a scooter that had been rented from Revel, a moped-sharing company whose Vespa-style vehicles have become a familiar sight on the streets of Brooklyn and Queens....

Have you noticed Revel Scooter riders on Roosevelt Island recently?

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reported speeding Revel scooter riders crashing near the ferry dock in the late night early morning hours this past weekend.

A day or two earlier, about 3 of these mopeds were racing down a pedestrian & cycling path late at night on the island, where motorized vehicles shouldn't be operating. @_GoRevel please revamp your safety, and perhaps fine/block users who travel on pedestrian paths.

— Ken Chester (@kenchester2) July 21, 2020

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown about the incident. Chief Brown replied:

Read more »

Speeding Cars Race Down Roosevelt Island East Promenade Street Yesterday Afternoon - One Loses Control Slamming Into And Crashing Through Southpoint Park Gate

A Roosevelt Island tipster reported yesterday that two cars were speeding in what appeared to be a race down the East Promenade South Loop Road next to the Cornell Tech campus when one car lost control, slammed into

and crashing through the Southpoint Park East gate

yesterday afternoon at about 2:30 PM missing a pedestrian by a few seconds.

Yesterday, I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Any info on two cars speeding and crashing into Southpoint Park today...

Were there any injuries or arrests?

RIOC Spokesperson Terrence McCauley replied:

There were no injuries in the car crash.

The vehicle with 3 occupants under the age of 18 lost control while traveling south on East Loop Road and crashed into the gate. One of the sections of the fence was damaged. Again, no injuries or arrests.

UPDATE 5:10 PM - According to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident report:

11/06/19 – 1446 – 50 Main St – Vehicle Accident – PSD/EMS/NYPD responded – Referred to NYPD - Aided transported to the hospital

.I asked Mr. McCauley:

I'm told there were 2 cars racing on road before crash into gate. Is that true. Why were there no tickets given or arrests?

Were they Roosevelt island residents

... someone was taken to hospital due to the car crash.

He replied:

They must have been transported out of an abundance of caution and the report updated after I got back to you. The NYPD investigated the accident and determined that a summons for speeding was not warranted. The NYPD issued a summons for driving without a license, but no one was arrested.

None of them were residents.

RIOC Announces New Traffic Safety Measures For Roosevelt Island Waterfront Promenades - 10 MPH Speed Limit, Radar Speed Signs, Bollards And Possible Dismissal Of Employees Who Violate Safety Regulations, Private Vehicles Banned

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced today:

In response to several complaints about speeding vehicles on the Island, The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is implementing several traffic safety measures designed to make the Island’s roadways safer for residents, stakeholders and employees.

Some of the measures RIOC has already taken and will take in the immediate future include:

• Speed limits on promenades have been lowered from 15 mph to 10 mph.
• Failure of RIOC employees to observe all safety regulations, especially speed, will result in possible dismissal.
• New radar speed signs have been ordered and will be placed on the east seawall promenade. A temporary speed radar device will be moved there today.
• Bollards will be placed in designated areas to prohibit the public from driving on the east seawall promenade. New signage will also show where vehicles – other than official RIOC vehicles – are prohibited.

All RIOC employees have undergone mandatory vehicle safety training in the past six months.

Reported July 31 on RIOC) banning cars

from the East Promenade

... In response to complaints about people driving along the eastern promenade, RIOC will soon be installing barriers and placing signage at key locations to prevent cars from accessing this area. RIOC and emergency vehicles will still be able to reach the promenade if necessary. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be impeded by these barriers in any way. Placement of the barriers will begin over the next several weeks.

RIOC is taking these measures as part of its on-going commitment to keep Roosevelt Island safe for pedestrians, children and bicyclists....

Roosevelt Island residents reacted:

and:

• Thank you thank you
• Finally!!! It should of never been allowed, it wasn’t allowed before. They are not “back roads”, they are for pedestrians, and for people walking, biking and running.
• I never could quite understand why private vehicles were in any way permitted on those perimeter roads. I could only figure it was to accommodate loading and unloading. This used to be provided for on Main Street, with ONLY short term parking. But now we have to accommodate long term parkers with stickers, and there are no loading zones to speak of. Virtually no place for service vehicles to park during the day. All so that sticker and favored parkers can be accommodated'. That is really sad. I've abandoned trying to bring my car onto Main St. I just ferry back and forth from the garage, which I PAY for, unlike the stickered vehicles. And in that garage, I have to drive by the EMPTY handicapped spaces while I search for parking, while the stickered vehicles are out on the street....
• What they should ban is long term parking by RI workers in the courtyards and breezeways (which have become defacto parking lots) of Roosevelt Landings...and still permit loading and unloading in breezeways and back elevators....in addition does this ban include the west side where i was nearly run over?...
• Potential solution. Speed bumps close proximity before and after every intersection.
• Public Safety regularly speeds down the west roadway. Without lights. There is no warning for a child coming down one of the access ways. Should we wait for an accident that can’t be turned back?
• And who will protect pedestrians, children and seniors from outside bikers on our shore walkway that will no longer be a place to sit peacefully to read or watch the ocean?

The East and West Waterfront promenades are closed to private vehicles but RIOC Staff and Public Safety may use them but must adhere to the 10 mph speed limit.

Resident Reports Car Chase, Reckless Driving Donut Spinning, And Possible Gun Seen At Roosevelt Island Tram Station Circle Last Saturday Night - RIOC Public Safety Asks Anyone With Info To Contact PSD

Last Saturday night, a Roosevelt Island resident reported the following incident at the  Roosevelt Island Tram Circle (picture taken Sunday afternoon).

According to the resident:

Did anyone else just hear or witness the explosive noise (and subsequent smoke) near the north side of the tram station? My concierge thought it involved a car chase and someone else thought she saw a gun.

The concierge says the main car spinning out over and over was a high end Mercedes. I could only see the smoke (after the noise) off to the east side of my bldg and at least 2 men run to a red truck, get in the truck, and drive off super fast.

The concierge says someone was outside walking their dog while the main car (Mercedes?) was doing circles, and she thought they were pointing guns at one another. The smell of burning rubber was in our building after that.

After I visited with the concierge about it, I came back to my apartment and 30 minutes later decided I should let the Roosevelt Island police know about the red car that I could see out my window (not the main car involved per the concierge). When I called the police to give the details he said that their patrol had just completed, and the area was fine. I tried again to explain that the incident was 45 minutes prior but that I thought they should be on the look-out for the types of cars involved. The person I was speaking with was not interested in details.

It was 10:30pm on a warm Saturday night so anyone could have been hit through recklessness (if that is all it was). I wish the police had been interested in hearing these details.

A Tram rider saw the incident and added:

It was some lunatic doing donuts with their car at the roundabout near the tram. It happened as I was boarding it earlier.

I saw the tire marks very clearly from the tram cabin. Likely someone recklessly showing off their new ride. Some people really don't deserve a license.

Another witness reported seeing a car speeding down East Main Street past Riverwalk Building at over 50 mph.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus asks anyone with any information to please contact the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Using Radar Detection Equipment To Slow Down Traffic And Catch Speeders

Earlier this month a Roosevelt Island resident observed:

While waiting for the Red Bus across the street from the FDNY station, I watched a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) car seeming to hide behind the pine trees of the traffic island just north of the fire station. And when a car passed by driving south on Main Street, the officer put on his flashing lights and siren to stop the surprised driver. Then, after a brief conversation, the driver continued south ... and the PSD Speed Detector Trap was then re-set.

I watched this little drama unfold several times without understanding what I was seeing.

When the Red Bus came, a friend with me asked the driver what was happening.

The driver explained that RIOC had just installed stop signs on the road east of the community garden; and the drivers who were "caught" not stopping -- probably Coler employees going home at the end of the day shift -- simply failed to notice the new sign.

Public Safety did something right, I guess? Drivers tend to pick up speed heading south, and they can't see pedestrians crossing the road beyond the turn at the south edge of the garden. Soccer balls are often kicked into this area of Main Street from the Octagon Field as well. It is also the point where trucks will be turning west to go up the access road to the water tunnel project for the next year or so -- a likely place for an accident to develop.

I think this is a good decision. I'm glad because it makes the crossing safer.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported on the use of radar detection equipment to slow traffic and catch speeders during the RIOC December 19 Board of Directors meeting (full RIOC President's Report here).



Also, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) October 30 report noted:

... In discussing traffic issues in the Octagon area, as documented in Scott Piro’s report, Chief McManus reported that speed bumps were being considered and that due to the speeding, in certain areas on the Island, they would be training the PSO in using the radar guns, and are considering stepping up enforcement following the training.

The Chief mentioned that there was a new Security Director at Coler Hospital who he would be meeting with. He was attempting to create a multi- facetted approach to look at traffic control considering ways to deal with motorized bikes, etc....

and the RIRA PSC November 29 report added:

... Following submission of Scott’s report in October’s PSC meeting, Jack brought concerns to Susan’s attention and an internal meeting is scheduled on December 1st to look at some of the concerns, including speeding around these areas.

Training on the utilization of radar equipment needs to be completed by the PSO, which will be done through the NYPD. There have been minor difficulties encountered in getting our PSO’s spots for the NYPD trainings. The training requires field work to practice, and can take 3-5 days in the field. Speed bumps are still being considered in certain areas. Jack explained the difficulties associated with writing speeding tickets, in what can be utilized as proof.

The committee again stated that other Main Street road markings are worn out, do not match the Stop signs at certain intersections, or worn out, like on the Helix, causing safety concerns for motorists and foot traffic. The enforcement of traffic regulations for motorized bike was addressed. The Chief is aware of the problem and will be initiating more enforcement of the laws, for deliveries that come onto the Island....

Mr. Piro's traffic report was published in the Main Street WIRE.

Report From RIOC President Susan Rosenthal - Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers To Use Radar Speed Gun To Slow Down Traffic, Half Million Dollar Grant For Smallpox Hospital Stabilization, All Seawall Railings Will Be Replaced & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the December 19 Board of Directors meeting on the following:

• Half Million Dollar matching grant for Smallpox Hospital Stabilization Project - $25 million is necessary to stabilize the Ruins
• Hiring a Public Information Officer to improve communications between RIOC and the community,
• New RIOC web site launching next month,
• Cultural Center closing for month of January to do mold re-mediation,
• Both Tram Cabins are now running - additional work will be done in spring when only 1 cabin will run,
• Public Safety to use speed radar equipment to slow down traffic in north and south of Island,
• Youth Center Operator will be awarded in January,
• Tram Elevator project to start soon
• All the Roosevelt Island Seawall railing will be replaced
• Youth Center and Sportspark renovations,
• New Octagon Sports Field and Comfort Station Coming
• Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!

NYPD 114 Crime Prevention Officer Meets With Roosevelt Island Residents Association - RIOC Public Safety Chief Updates RIRA Public Safety Committee Too

On November 1, NYPD 114 precinct Crime Prevention Officer Gabe Tovar spoke to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council about recent burglaries as well as phone scams involving false claims of being with the IRS, Con Ed and others.

#PhoneScam: Victim received a phone call from someone pretending to be the #IRS, demanding “back taxes” payment or he would be arrested.

Victim purchased $3,200 in gift cards per callers demand & provided card numbers via phone. #IRSPhoneScam #Scam pic.twitter.com/IZT9Ps1thb

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) November 29, 2017

Officer Tovar advised to hang up if you receive these types of phone calls.



About Roosevelt Island, Officer Tovar said:

... this is a very, very safe Island...

The RIRA Public Safety Committee usually meets every month, often with Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus and Deputy Chief Kevin Brown.

Below is the RIRA PSC report of the October 30 meeting.

RIRA – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Committee Meeting Minutes – 10/30/2017

Updates on Statistic:

Vertical Patrols: Statistics indicate that the WIRE building’s are receiving the appropriate number of patrols for a total in September of 937:

• Roosevelt Landings 690, 
• Island House 105, 
• WestView 97, 
• Rivercross 45, 
• Motorgate Patrols for September 385.

Crime Statistic: Chief McManus presented crime Statistics which indicated that for the year from September 2016 - September 2017 the following:

• Total number of misdemeanors decreased, 77 - 66; 
• violations-non- crimes decreased, 452 -390; and
• Index Crimes increased, 22 - 25. 

Chief McManus also reported that crime had decreased on the Island since he had started by 19% between 2014 and 2015.

Recent Incidents:

Chief McManus responded to questions related to the recent burglaries in Westview and on the recent stabbing behind 510.

Burglary was in Westview, no forced entry, perp wearing black mask. Was caught on WV camera when running downstairs, and at door station.

He was identified, and is attached to 2 other burglaries. He was identified and arrested.

The Stabbing victim is uncooperative, and is from off Island. Hasn’t provided much information to work with. There are no working cameras behind 510, (Presently there are also no cameras in Lighthouse Park, which is part of Phase II) which makes identifying where and what he was doing difficult.

Officer Training:

Deputy Kevin Brown is scheduled to conduct quarterly training. 3rd quarter training was focusing on CPR, Curtesy, Professionalism, Respect. 13 Officers were scheduled for tonight where specific reports will be used. Customer service skills are stressed.

Accuracy in reporting:

Update on steps that will be taken to guarantee that PSD Blotter accurately reflect documented complaint/incident was discussed.

Chief McManus stated that they would now provide one more Supervisor review, prior to publishing. In the past there was a 24 hour recap. The additional Supervisory review will probably make the 24 hr. turn around more difficult, but should improve accuracy.

The need for this was brought to light following an incident of Public Lewdness that occurred on 9/7/17 which had been incorrectly documented on the blotter and in the Desk Officer’s initial call for assistance as “Suspicious Activity,” and as a request for an escort.

Traffic Issues:

In discussing traffic issues in the Octagon area, as documented in Scott Piro’s report, Chief McManus reported that speed bumps were being considered and that due to the speeding, in certain areas on the Island, they would be training the PSO in using the radar guns, and are considering stepping up enforcement following the training.

The Chief mentioned that there was a new Security Director at Coler Hospital who he would be meeting with. He was attempting to create a multi- facetted approach to look at traffic control considering ways to deal with motorized bikes, etc.

Chief McManus reported that an accident had occurred down by South Park, where Off-Island youth, driving without appropriate license damaged the fence down at the park when their vehicle ran into the fence. Chief also mentioned that the NYC DOT had come out and assessed our street markings and that they would be refreshing all traffic markings.

Public Marijuana Use:

Openly smoking Marijuana in the area where children congregate appeared to have decreased, according to committee member Joanna, who assisted with the educational initiative and the creation of the signs. She requested the committee consider replacing the signs that had been vandalized, and put them back up.

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Feely-Nahem, PSC Committee Chair

Chief McManus provided an update on the October 27 stabbing during the November 29 RIRA PSC meeting.



Below is the RIRA PSC report of the November 29 meeting.

Read more »

Front Seat Go Pro Video View Of Motorcycle Zooming Down Roosevelt Island's Main Street - 5 Minutes From Williamsburg To Roosevelt Island

Take a virtual motorcycle ride from Williamsburg through Greenpoint and Long Island City on way to Roosevelt Island.

You arrive at the Roosevelt Island Bridge about the 4 minute 10 second mark. The ride down the Helix is a doozy.


First GoPro Test in NYC from Alexandre Pauzies on Vimeo.

Public Safety Department Using Radar To Enforce Speed Limit Driving Around Roosevelt Island

Radar Gun Image From RIOC

According to RIOC:

SPEED ENFORCEMENT

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department will be enforcing the Speed Limit on the Island with the use of Radar. Violators will be issued Speeding Tickets, which can result in loss of points on a Driver’s License.

PLEASE OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ISLAND.
THANK YOU.

What do you think - would this driver taking a quick tour around Roosevelt Island been pulled over for speeding?

You Tube Video of Car Tour Around Roosevelt Island