First Friday Of NYC Congestion Relief Zone Pricing Traffic Seen From Roosevelt Island Tram And 60th Street At 1st And Second Avenues This Afternoon - Compare Before And After Congestion Pricing Data Too

On my way to and from Trader Joe's this afternoon between 3:30 and 4 PM, the first Friday of NYC Congestion Relief Zone Pricing traffic in the area of Second, First and York Avenues at 60th street seemed alot less than usual.

Here's the aerial view of traffic from the Roosevelt Island Tram

and street level.

More on the first week of NYC Congestion Pricing

from Fox 5 New York,

Channel 7 Eyewitness News

and Pix 11 News.

Check out the Congestion Pricing Tracker 

to compare traffic data before and after Congestion Pricing began on January 5, 2025.

Resident Asks NY State Senator Liz Krueger For Roosevelt Island Exemption To MTA's NYC Congestion Pricing Plan During Recent Community Meeting - Geographic Exemptions Not Going To Happen Is The Answer

NY State Senator Liz Krueger met with Roosevelt Island residents last October 23 to discuss a variety of community issues.

One resident asked:

I'd like to ask that Roosevelt Island be exempt from congestion pricing because... 

Before the question could be completed, Senator Krueger said:

We're not going to do that.

We can't do that. 

It's not me it's a Congestion Board that's been created through the MTA that will make all the exemption rules but I will tell you that most everyone who testified in all the many public hearings and the people who have been working on this for years said if you start to exempt people based on geography then you end up having to exempt everyone and it's not going to work. 

So my gut is there will be no exemptions. Trust me, most of my district is in the zone. The people who live there are like why the hell should we have to pay we already live here and I think that's how it's going to work so I can't I'll let you finish your sentence....

Here's the full congestion pricing discussion with Senator Krueger and video of full meeting.

More here on the NYC congestion pricing plan.

During the meeting with Ms Krueger, it was noted that Roosevelt Island resident Carl Weisbrod is a member of the MTA's Congestion Pricing Board.

More here on the MTA' congestion pricing plan.

RIOC Public Safety Deputy Chief Discusses Roosevelt Island Traffic Safety Plans For Main Street And Waterfront Promenades With RIRA PSC Members - Says No Motorized Vehicles Allowed On Promenade Unless Emergency Or Escorted By PSD

Following the the October 15 traffic accident involving a young girl crossing Main Street to Capobianco Park during PS 217 Halloween bash in which she was not seriously injured, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes announced the following day:

... Our immediate plans for Main Street and island promenades are as follows:
Main Street Safety Improvements:  

• Two crossing guards will be posted on Main Street near PS/IS 217 intersections during school hours. 
• Speed bumps will be strategically placed on Main Street. 
• Portable radar signs will be placed in strategic locations on Main Street. 

Promenade Safety Improvements:

• Restriction of vehicles, motorized scooters, and e-bikes on promenades. However, emergency vehicles or permitted vehicles will be escorted by PSD. 
• Public Safety officers will be posted on the west promenade to ensure compliance.
• New signage will be ordered....

The new signage and gated barrier on West Promenade is in place

and this weekend a Public Safety Officer was spotted patrolling the West Promenade on foot.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

During the October 19 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting, RIOC Public Safety Department Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso reported:

Nobody can drive on the promenade unless it's an emergency vehicle or some kind of delivery that is being escorted with  PSD ...or some sort of situation where they need to do some repairs...

RIRA PSC member Frank Farance disagreed that RIOC can ban all vehicles from the Promenades saying that their ground leases permit the building managements to use the Promenade in order to access their property.

Deputy Chief Amoroso replied:

... I looked into it with their leases and and we have the final say as far as driving on the promenades...

 

Here's more on RIOC Traffic Safety Plans for Main Street and the waterfront promenades discussed during the beginning of the PSC meeting including Mr Farance's suggestion of better traffic lighting instead of speed bumps on Main Street for greater vehicle and pedestrian safety.

UPDATE 10:50 PM - A Roosevelt Island residents reports on this Instagram post:

Yesterday a delivery man on a scooter sped onto the pedestrian walkway almost hitting me and my baby who was in a stroller. Public safety was there on foot and stopped him but when asked for his drivers license the motorist simply said “I don’t have one” and public safety ultimately just let him go. What’s the point of having public safety officers there to stop motorists if they just let violators go with no penalty? They will surely repeat if there are no real consequences @shelton_haynes_rioc_ceo @rooseveltislandrioc

Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings This Week During 2021 United Nations General Assembly Session - Bridge Got Stuck This Afternoon Causing Lines And Delays On Both Sides Of Bridge

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island.

Next week, 9/20-9/24 as well as 9/27, are Gridlock Alert Days due to the UN General Assembly. More info: https://t.co/retl9SIrwV

Motorists are advised to use public transit and #BikeNYC. pic.twitter.com/Snt6X1PwiK

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 16, 2021

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2021 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The United Nations General Assembly will take place from Monday, 9/20 to Saturday, 9/25. During this time, the Roosevelt Island bridge will open on demand from 7 AM to 7 PM. Please be advised that each opening should take anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes to be completed.

As a reminder, during the opening and lowering of the Roosevelt Island bridge, some delays may occur.

This afternoon, the Roosevelt Island Bridge got stuck during opening and closing causing lines and delays on both sides of the Bridge for about a half hour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

Have not heard of any similar incidents earlier this week.

Residents have expressed concern about the Roosevelt Island Bridge being closed preventing emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks from getting on and off Roosevelt Island. There was no mention by RIOC about precautions being taken for emergency vehicles but an ambulance is stationed on the Island during UN General Assembly Week. 

Even British PM Boris Johnson had to make alternative travel arrangements during 2021 UN General Assembly Week.

You know East Side traffic must be bad when British prime minister Boris Johnson decides to speed walk to the UN with his security detail. #unga @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/Mg79ZDJBlY

— N. J. Burkett (@njburkett7) September 21, 2021

UPDATE 9/24 - View of raised Roosevelt Island Bridge from passing sailboat on East River east channel.

During last night's Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness workshop, RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso discussed some of the security and safety preparations undertaken during UN General Assembly Week for the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

RIOC Announces Cars Will Soon Be Banned From Roosevelt Island East Side Waterfront Promenade For Safety Of Pedestrians, Children And Bicyclists

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced today that cars

will soon be banned from driving along the East Side Waterfront Promenade.

According to a RIOC Spokesperson:

New Traffic Bollards Placed on Eastern Promenade Soon

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. If you see unauthorized vehicles in these areas, please contact PSD immediately at 212-832-4545.

Asked whether the East Side Waterfront Promenade ban includes Child School buses:

the Spokesperson added:

No. We’ve already coordinated this with the principle and school buses serving the school will not be banned.

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.

More Than 5 Years And Counting, Drivers Continue To Ignore Roosevelt Island Stop Signs - Residents Ask RIOC To Do Something About Problem

In August 2017, Roosevelt Island Resident Scott Piro reported:

I shot this video at 7:30am EDT on Wed, Aug 23, 2017. You can see about half the northbound traffic completely disregard the stop sign, while the other half at least applies brakes and slows down somewhat (without coming to full stop).



The concern is those who breeze through the stop sign without any braking at all. Let's install a camera there that captures their behavior - and their license plate info in order to mail them a traffic violation/ticket. Other ideas include stationing a Public Safety officer just beyond the intersection to do the same function. And, installing a speed bump could be very effective.

This was a random video I captured. I sit on the Tennis Association bench in front of this stop sign every weekday morning around this time. I have observed much more egregious violations, I assure you - where car after car after car ignores the stop sign and speeds through without any attempt to even slow down a little. This was a relatively tame example I captured this time on video.

Let's install one or more mechanisms to modify the traffic behavior we are seeing here constantly.

This is part of a series of traffic dangers present around the Octagon building.

Today, the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse shows drivers continue to ignore the Stop Signs:

4th car in 3 minutes that did NOT stop at the stop sign on Main Street across from the Octagon. I’ve lived here for 5 years and @RIOCny hasn’t done much, despite requests and an article on the Roosevelt Island paper. @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/aCROlIqwsh

— Alessandro Monetti (@AlexMonetti_) February 5, 2019

And they've never put back the stop sign in the crosswalk in front of the church

— Karen Stewart (@KnycKaren) February 5, 2019

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp responds:

Thank you for sharing this information. We will look into the matter. To submit an official complaint on this or other island matters, please go to https://t.co/dpag4Mm7JK

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) February 5, 2019

In December 2017,  RIOC President Susan Rosenthal said that the Public Safety Department was going to start to use radar equipment to address the speeding problems on Roosevelt Island



and in April 2018, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported:

... Radar Speed Signs

Radar speed signs, also known as driver feedback signs, are designed to slow down speeding drivers by alerting them of their, speed. They are being used across the country and in the past week, you might have noticed that two have been installed here on Roosevelt Island; one near Coler Memorial Hospital and the other near the Cornell Tech loop. The signs are mobile and can be moved to different locations throughout the Island as needed.

We remind everyone that the Island-wide speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Please slow down; speeding is hazardous to yourself, other motorists and pedestrians. Island speed limits will be monitored and enforced by the Public Safety Department....

Enforcement of traffic laws are needed here.

UPDATE - Another view on the Roosevelt Island traffic stop signs and reply:

The reason the stop sign is so much earlier than the actual intersection is because buses take that much space to make the 90 degree turn. Nobody ever stops which causes awkward gridlocks that always result in the drivers having to reverse bc they didn’t stop where they should’ve

— Alessandro Monetti (@AlexMonetti_) February 6, 2019

Even the PSD don’t take the stops seriously at this point. Cars will literally go off of Main Street and take the back road along the water to get to the bridge, to avoid the stops, which shouldn’t even really be allowed.

— Michael Heilemann (@Heilemann) February 6, 2019

Roosevelt Island Q102 Main Street Bus Stop Near RI Bridge Moved 175 Feet South During Helix Ramp Repairs Due To Safety Concerns - Helix Ramp In Worse Condition Than Thought, Repairs May Take A Few Additional Weeks Says RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to pedestrian safety concerns in the area of on-going construction work on the Helix ramp - that connects the Roosevelt Island Bridge with Main Street - the northbound Q102 bus stop, near that intersection, will be moved today about 175 feet

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported last Friday:

One lane of the Helix ramp project has been completed and work has begun on the second travel lane. As was before, workers will have to demolish the existing concrete topping slab, and in some cases, replace the underlying rebar, (the mesh of steel wires used to strengthen and hold the concrete in compression).

As we’ve mentioned previously, some sections of the Helix’s existing structural concrete slabs (see illustration)

were in worse disrepair than we’d originally diagnosed and will require a more extensive repair that may extend this project’s completion a few additional weeks.

The Helix Ramp repairs began March 12 and were scheduled to take 4 months.



During the May 17 RIOC Board of Directors meeting (full video of Board Meeting here), RIOC VP of Of Capital Projects & Planning Steve Noone reported on Helix Ramp repair construction project status.

Mr Noone informed the Board that the Helix is more damaged than originally thought and tells the Board that it will be asked for an additional $1.2 million to the original expected cost of $3.1 million.

Mr Noone added that a change in the Street Lights sequence at top of Helix suggested by "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz Engineering will result in an approximate 45% traffic reduction coming from Queens in the morning and a similar reduction in evening traffic to Queens and on weekends.



At the May 17 RIOC Board meeting, Mr Noone estimated a completion date for the project at end of July.

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!

Roosevelt Island Transportation Is A Mess, Frequent F Train Subway Delays, Long Lines At The Tram Stations & Main Street Traffic Delays Today Due To RI Bridge Accident

A perfect image to describe how many Roosevelt Island residents feel about their daily commute.

Graphic picture of the commute in #roosevelt island pic.twitter.com/tYKiOGrPfC

— Isis Barquero (@tilosh) October 31, 2017

Last night, long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram Manhattan Station. A frustrated Roosevelt Island resident reports:

Here's the image of 8PM at the tram station.

Image From Carol Sales

The line was all the way around the corner of 59th st. No red buses and no train service to Manhattan since about 4:45PM and then no trains to RI since 6:45PM (they were skipping 57th st, Lex/63rd st, RI, Queens Plaza).

This is unacceptable for RIOC, they knew the situation no advisories and no extended red bus service to get people home."

No #Manhattan bound F trains at #rooseveltisland Once again- thanks @mta You have ONE job!! https://t.co/jRLqYeQb48

— 🇫🇮FINNY🎃RKER 🇺🇸 (@NYTTYTTYY) October 30, 2017

Northbound F trains are stopping along the [M] line from 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av because of a sick passenger at Lexington Av-63 St.

— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) October 30, 2017

And this morning there was a vehicle accident on the Roosevelt Island Bridge causing Main Street traffic back ups and delays.

Main street on Roosevelt island has traffic trouble at Roosevelt bridge #Rooseveltisland #mainstreet #trafficaccident pic.twitter.com/sXQS7j2pi5

— Hiro@NY (@Torafumihiro) October 31, 2017

Extensive subway delays and long Tram lines last Friday too.

Roosevelt Island Resident Uses Twitter To Show Cars Ignoring Stop Signs On Main Street Near Octagon Building

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reports:

Traffic ignoring stop sign at top of Main Street, Roosevelt Island - Aug 23, 2017, morning rush hour: https://t.co/ewYRUkT3Bz via

— ScottyP (@scottpiro) August 23, 2017

Roosevelt Island resident Scott Piro adds:

I shot this video at 7:30am EDT on Wed, Aug 23, 2017. You can see about half the northbound traffic completely disregard the stop sign, while the other half at least applies brakes and slows down somewhat (without coming to full stop).

The concern is those who breeze through the stop sign without any braking at all. Let's install a camera there that captures their behavior - and their license plate info in order to mail them a traffic violation/ticket. Other ideas include stationing a Public Safety officer just beyond the intersection to do the same function. And, installing a speed bump could be very effective.

This was a random video I captured. I sit on the Tennis Association bench in front of this stop sign every weekday morning around this time. I have observed much more egregious violations, I assure you - where car after car after car ignores the stop sign and speeds through without any attempt to even slow down a little. This was a relatively tame example I captured this time on video.

Let's install one or more mechanisms to modify the traffic behavior we are seeing here constantly.

This is part of a series of traffic dangers present around the Octagon building.

Stay tuned.

Roosevelt Island East Roadway From Tram To North Loop Road Opens For Vehicles Wednesday October 21 - West Roadway Returns To One Way Northbound Traffic From Sportspark

Image Of Roosevelt Island East Roadway

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Effective Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 6:00 AM, the East Roadway will reopen to vehicular traffic between the Tram Station Plaza and North Loop Road. Access to the Racquet Club, Steam Plant and Cornell Construction site will be available via the East Roadway.

The West Roadway in front of 250-281 Main St (Racquet Club and Sportspark) will return to one-way traffic heading northbound.

Southbound Q102 and Red Bus service will resume normal routes stopping at Sportspark and on the West Roadway front of the RIHS Kiosk for northbound service.

Pedestrian traffic will remain open on the West Seawall for access to South Point and Four Freedoms Parks.

Metered Parking along the West Roadway front of 250-281 Main St (Racquet Club and Sportspark) has been restored and can be accessed from the East side as the West Roadway has returned to one way traffic heading northbound.

Image Of Roosevelt Island West Roadway

Roosevelt Island Motorgate Turnaround Closed Until Further Notice For Construction Says RIOC - Bus Top Moved To Front Of 10 River Road

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Notification issued 10/22/14 at 5:30 PM. Due to construction, the Motorgate turnaround will be closed until further notice. The bus stop will be relocated to the front of 10 River Road. An advisory will be issued to update the public on future developments.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island NYC Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Conduct Traffic Training Program Here Last Saturday - August 6 NY State Roosevelt Island Disaster Preparedness Class But Still No RI Evacuation Plan Made Public

The Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), together with other NYC CERT Teams, participated in a pedestrian and automobile traffic training program last Saturday on Roosevelt Island.

Image From Ellen Polivy

The Program began with classroom training by the NYPD. Roosevelt Island CERT Team member Lynn Strong-Shinozaki shares this picture of the training team

Image From Lynn Strong-Shinozaki

and reports:

We all learned a lot. This is the training team they were great!

Following the classroom instruction, the CERT Teams members went out

Image From Ellen Polivy

to practice their newly acquired traffic management skills

Image From Ellen Polivy

 on the Roosevelt Island street.

Image From Ellen Polivy

Roosevelt Island CERT Team member Ellen Polivy reports on the traffic training session.

NYC Community emergency response teams have important roles in augmenting primary emergency responders such as FDNY, NYPD and, here on Roosevelt Island, PSD.

Traffic management is an important role. This class, arranged by OEM, facilitated by RIOC (Jack McManus, Erica Spencer-El, Ann Rankin and others) and presented by NYPD, focused on the skills necessary to sucessfully manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

After class preparation participants from Roosevelt Island CERT and other CERT teams throughout the City practiced under the direct supervision of NYPD. Practical exercises like this are necessary so that a level of competence is available in emergency situations.

The twelve Roosevelt Island CERT attendees in no particular order were Lydia Tang, Russel Fields, Frank Farance, Gwen Ryals, Linda Heimer, Georgeanna, Galeateau, Ellen Polivy, Sherie Helstien,Matthew Katz, Lynne Shinozaki, Sharon Bermon, Howard Polivy.

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse noticed the traffic exercise.

Serious lack of crossing guards on Roosevelt Island pic.twitter.com/vbvdSWODZn
— Gordie Mazur (@GordieM) July 19, 2014

More information on CERT and how to join available from the NYC Office Of Emergency Management (OEM). According to OEM:

OEM's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members undergo an intensive 10-week training program that raises awareness about emergencies and disasters and provides basic response skills needed for fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and traffic control. After graduating from the 10-week program, CERT members support their communities by assisting with emergency education and response. Emergency services personnel are the best equipped to respond to disasters. NYC CERT volunteers are trained to support the efforts of New York City's first responders.

During non-emergency situations, NYC CERTs educate their communities about emergency preparedness by working with the Ready New York program and building community disaster networks.

Additional info on the Roosevelt Island CERT Team and contact is here.

Also, according to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

On Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00 PM, the NYS Citizens Preparedness Corps will host a free disaster preparedness class for Roosevelt Island residents at the Manhattan Park Theater Club (8 River Road). In addition to the training, each family participating will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit, which includes a first aid kit, emergency food and water, AM/FM radio, flashlight, and more items that are useful in case of a man-made or natural disaster

The training is free, but you must register in advance in order to participate. Visit http://www.prepare.ny.gov/training-events to sign up.

Presented by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York in Partnership with the Citizens Preparedness Corps and the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Emergency preparedness is very necessary. However, as reported about August 2013 OEM Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness Meeting:

...PSD Director Jack McManus said that the current Roosevelt Island evacuation plan is terribly outdated and that it is currently being updated. When the Roosevelt Island evacuation plan is completed, it will be made available to the public promised Mr. McManus....

So far, an updated Roosevelt Island evacuation plan has not been made public.

UPDATE 9/30 - In December 2013, the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted emergency disaster training drills under the auspices of NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Here are some scenes.

TD Five Borough Bike Tour Sunday May 4, Expect Delays At Roosevelt Island Bridge/ Vernon Boulevard - Bike New York Roosevelt Island Spring Kickoff Party May 17

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Please be advised that the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour will be taking place on Sunday, May 4th 2014. Vernon Blvd. will be closed from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM between Astoria Park and the Pulaski Bridge. Access to Roosevelt Island via the R.I. Bridge will be maintained at all times; expect increased traffic and delays.

For more information on road closures and transit options, please see the attached document from the event's organizers.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

The TD 5 Boro Bike Ride is organized by Bike New York. The Bike New York free Roosevelt Island bicycle programs, including May 17 Spring Kickoff Party,

Image From RIOC

are funded by revenues generated  from the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour.

Bike New York Roosevelt Island Community Outreach Manager Caitlin Goodspeed reported to the April 16 Community Board 8 meeting about the Bike NY Roosevelt Island programs. According to Ms. Goodspeed:



Here is the 2012 NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour in 3 minutes. You can watch the riders speed down Vernon B'lvd by Costco



and past Roosevelt Island Bridge at the 1minute 35 second mark.

Roosevelt Island Helix Emergency Pothole Repairs Thursday and Friday 6 PM to 3 AM, Traffic Reduced To One Lane During This Time - How Will Helix Handle Heavy Construction Trucks During Cornell NYC Tech Campus Construction?

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised on Thursday, June 20th and Friday, June 21st the Roosevelt Island Helix will undergo emergency concrete pothole repair work. The work will be performed between the hours of 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM during which time, traffic entering and exiting the Island will be reduced to one lane. The work zone will be marked with signs. Flagmen and Public Safety officers will be on-site directing traffic and providing assistance throughout the scheduled maintenance. Orange traffic barrels and safety cones will be installed between the two lanes to channelize traffic. Motorist are urged to use caution while traveling near the work zone.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

View Larger Map

Concerns have been raised about the impact of numerous, large, heavy construction trucks using the the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix during the construction of the Cornell NYC Tech campus. That question was asked to Cornell during the Community Board 8 ULURP review process. Here's the question and Cornell's answer:

... Q -How is the helix ramp leading from the bridge to the island going to be improved to handle the huge heavy truck traffic anticipated? What would be the impact if the ramp had to be closed for repairs? (Page 18)

A- No improvements to the helix are proposed as part of the project. As with any transportation facility, including local roads, highways, and bridges, necessary repair would be conducted with the appropriate maintenance and protection of traffic and pedestrian flows, subject to review and approval by the entity having jurisdiction over the facility, which in this case would be RIOC. Cornell will be complying with the reduced load limits on the bridge and helix as approved by DOT....

Cornell has promised to reduce the amount of truck traffic going over the Roosevelt Island Bridge and Helix by using more barges for transporting construction materials.

More information on the condition of the Roosevelt Island Helix available in this 2011 report by Liro Engineers commissioned by RIOC attached to 2013 RFP for Structural Evaluation and Engineering & Design Services for the renovation of the R.I. Helix Ramp.

Expect Delays For Travel To And From Roosevelt Island By Car And Taxi Tomorrow For NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour Sunday May 5

A reader, Anna, advises to plan carefully tomorrow if you are planning to travel to or from Roosevelt Island tomorrow by car or taxi due to the Five Boro Bike Tour

Image From bike new york

street and bridge closures on Sunday May 5. According to Anna:

Vernon Boulevard between 31st and 44th Drive will be closed for car traffic, as well as 21st street between Queens Plaza South and Hoyt Avenue North.

Those who plan to travel by car or taxi to/from Roosevelt Island should be informed and plan their commute accordingly.

Several years ago, I was going to JFK Airport on the day of the bike tour. Because Vernon Boulevard was closed for car traffic, we had to wait on the Roosevelt Island Bridge for at least 15 minutes before finally being allowed to cross Vernon Boulevard to go to 36th Avenue. Can you imagine traffic jams on Roosevelt Island next to the bridge?

Below is the link with information on which streets and bridges will be closed in all five boros:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2013_five_boro_bike_tour.pdf

According to NYC, the streets will be closed from 7:45 AM - 6:30 PM.

Here is the 2012 NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour in 3 minutes. You can watch the riders speed down Vernon B'lvd by Costco



and past Roosevelt Island Bridge at the 1minute 35 second mark.

Earlier today, Roosevelt Island was visited by a large group of bicyclists. According to the Twitterverse:

Why, hello #bikenyc right outside my @rooseveltisland window! #sunnyweekends twitter.com/luckytran/stat…
— Lucky Tran (@luckytran) May 4, 2013

and here they go



from the Riverwalk Commons:

Roosevelt Island's River Road By Manhattan Park Closed To Parking And Traffic Due To Necessary Construction Starting Tomorrow And Regular Off Peak Tram Service Back To Normal Advises RIOC

Image Of River Road By Manhattan Park

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC);

Effective Tuesday, September 4, 2012 and until further notice, due to necessary construction River Road will be completely closed to parking and traffic, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your cooperation.

RIOC also reports that regular Tram service has returned:

Please be advised the Tram Station Renovations have been completed and Off-Peak Tram Service has been restored.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Questions Raised on Traffic Safety After Accident Averted at Intersection of Roosevelt Island Motorgate Helix Ramp and Main Street By RIRA Planning Committee Chairperson - Is an All Way Stop Sign Needed at the Intersection?

 Public Safety Officer Directing Traffic at Motorgate Helix

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Planning Committee Chairperson Frank Farance is concerned with traffic safety at the intersection of the Motorgate Helix Ramp and Main Street.


View Larger Map

Mr. Farance shares a message he sent this past Saturday to Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra.

Director Guerra-

We have spoken about this several times, but this now requires quick attention.

Today at 12:51, I was returning to Roosevelt Island in a taxi. The officer at the bottom of the helix waved us on (we were turning left), meanwhile the red bus barreled through the intersection northbound oblivious to the traffic situation and the officer's instructions. Even though we had the right of way (because of the officer's direction), the red bus almost hit us. The PSD officer shouted at the red bus driver (with no effect).

I know you have received requests to have an officer on Saturdays at the base of the helix to improve safety and I'm not suggesting you change.

However, it has been the position of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association for several years that an ALL-WAY stop configuration is the best. It was an ALL-WAY stop for about three decades until circa 2005 when RIOC started removing stop signs on Main Street in the hopes that the red bus would run more reliably (the loss of stop signs had no positive effect on the red bus schedule).

One reason this intersection is dangerous is that it has unbalanced stop signs: one for southbound traffic, but none for northbound traffic. Thus, both westbound and southbound traffic believe northbound traffic will stop (and it won't).

This intersection is confusing because there aren't any others like in NYC. At the April RIRA Common Council meeting, I asked the commander of the 114th Precinct if he was familiar with any intersection like this in Astoria, Long Island City, or anywhere else and he couldn't think of one (Mr. Bryan attended and he can report on the discussion).

So today you had the extra benefit of a PSD officer, yet an accident almost occurred. The officer didn't do anything wrong, it was clearly the fault of (1) the red bus driver who was not paying attention to the officer in the intersection, and (2) the intersection itself is unsafe and prone to accidents.

You mentioned that the present configuration conforms to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD 2009), but that is not so. MUTCD sections 2B.05 and 2C.59 apply yet the present configuration violates those requirements (see excerpts below) that clearly acknowledge the driver's expectations when arriving in an intersection and require the use of ONCOMING-TRAFFIC/TRAFFIC-FROM-LEFT DOES NOT STOP plaques (plaques are missing).

I am requesting two things:

(1) Reconfigure the helix intersection to an ALL-WAY stop: northbound STOP sign, additional ALL-WAY plaques, and roadway markings would say STOP northbound. Do not continue use of unbalanced intersections, do not install traffic-does-not-stop plaques. The ALL-WAY stop would help pedestrians crossing the helix roadway because northbound traffic pushes its way through (unsafely) and an ALL-WAY would force a full stop prior to cars confronting pedestrians.

(2) Instruct the red bus drivers to pay attention to Public Safety Officers directing traffic.

Today's scenario (in theory) had the best: a PSD officer directing traffic, a taxi driver from Olympic Car Service who is familiar with Island traffic patterns, and a RIOC red bus driver thoroughly familiar with the traffic and regular Saturday help from PSD in the intersection. However, we still almost had an accident. Rather than continue to deny that the present configuration is safe, why not try a safer configuration that had worked well for three decades.

Thank you.

Frank Farance
RIRA Planning Committee Chair

Section 2B.05 STOP Sign (R1-1) and ALL WAY Plaque (R1-3P)
Standard:
01 When it is determined that a full stop is always required on an approach to an intersection, a STOP (R1-1) sign (see Figure 2B-1) shall be used.
02 The STOP sign shall be an octagon with a white legend and border on a red background.
03 Secondary legends shall not be used on STOP sign faces.
04 At intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs (see Section 2B.07), an ALL WAY supplemental plaque (R1-3P) shall be mounted below each STOP sign. The ALL WAY plaque (see Figure 2B-1) shall have a white legend and border on a red background.
05 The ALL WAY plaque shall only be used if all intersection approaches are controlled by STOP signs.
06 Supplemental plaques with legends such as 2-WAY, 3-WAY, 4-WAY, or other numbers of ways shall not be used with STOP signs.

Support:
07 The use of the CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4P) plaque (and other plaques with variations ofthis word message) is described in Section 2C.59.

Guidance:
08 Plaques with the appropriate alternative messages of TRAFFIC FROM LEFT (RIGHT) DOES NOT STOP (W4-4aP) or ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4bP) should be used at intersections where STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection, unless the only non-stopped approach is from a one-way street.

Option:
09 An EXCEPT RIGHT TURN (R1-10P) plaque (see Figure 2B-1) may be mounted below the STOP sign if an engineering study determines that a special combination of geometry and traffic volumes is present that makes it possible for right-turning traffic on the approach to be permitted to enter the intersection without stopping.

Support:
10 The design and application of Stop Beacons are described in Section 4L.05.


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Section 2C.59 CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP Plaque (W4-4P)

Option:
01 The CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4P) plaque (see Figure 2C-9) may be used in combination with a STOP sign when engineering judgment indicates that conditions are present that are causing or could cause drivers to misinterpret the intersection as an all-way stop.
02 Alternative messages (see Figure 2C-9) such as TRAFFIC FROM LEFT (RIGHT) DOES NOT STOP (W4-4aP) or ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4bP) may be used when such messages more accurately describe the traffic controls established at the intersection.

Guidance:
03 Plaques with the appropriate alternative messages of TRAFFIC FROM LEFT (RIGHT) DOES NOT STOP or ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP should be used at intersections where STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection, unless the only non-stopped approach is from a one-way street.

Standard:
04 If a W4-4P plaque or a plaque with an alternative message is used, it shall be mounted below the STOP sign.

A Public Safety Officer has recently been assigned to direct traffic at intersection of the Motorgate Ramp Helix and Main Street on Saturday's during the Farmers Market.

UPDATE 1:30 PM - Mr. Farance follow up his message to Director Guerra.

More information here


Director Guerra-

As a followup on street signage, the new "[STATE LAW] STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS WITHIN CROSSWALK" signs are the wrong signs and provide conflicting instructions to drivers -- drivers might believe they don't have to stop at all. According to the MUTCD 2009, the Stop/Yield For Pedestrian Within Crosswalk signs are to be used at "uncontrolled multi-lane approach" (see MUTCD 2009 Section 2B.11). The emphasis here is on "uncontrolled", which is incorrect for the Roosevelt Island crosswalks where there is a STOP sign (543 Main, 591 Main, 645 Main, etc.). By using the "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS WITHIN CROSSWALK" (sign R1-6a) drivers believe they can proceed an NORMAL speeds (i.e., no full stop) UNLESS THERE IS A PEDESTRIAN IN THE CROSSWALK. Certainly, we INTEND for drivers to make a full stop at these intersections, but the new signage is wrong.

If you'd like, I can show you a video of how other NYS drivers treat these signs (i.e., driving through at normal speeds).

As for the remainder of the Island, there is no distinction between the STOP (R1-6a) and YIELD (R1-6) variants of "[STATE LAW] STOP/YIELD FOR/TO PEDESTRIANS WITHIN CROSSWALK" because the driver must STOP (regardless of STOP or YIELD) if there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Elsewhere in NY State, I've seen the STOP version used at crosswalks like the ones at 510 Main and 564 Main.

Regardless, the signs present a confusing picture of NYS law: are we supposed to STOP or YIELD to pedestrians in a crosswalk? The law is one or the other, not both, right?

I make the recommendations:

(1) Replace all present R1-6 "[STATE LAW] YIELD FOR PEDESTRIANS ..." with R1-6a "[STATE LAW] STOP FOR PEDESTRIAN ..." if that is in fact the correct NYS law.

(2) Immediately remove the present "[STATE LAW] STOP FOR PEDESTRIAN ..." because they conflict with other signage and give drivers the impression they don't need to stop at all (regardless of whether or not there are pedestrians in the crosswalk).

(3) For crosswalks with STOPs, immediately return the mid-street STOP SIGNS and plan for a better long-term solution on reminding drivers to stop (flashing lights, etc.).