Big changes could be coming to your neighborhood, especially if you park near a crosswalk. The New York City Council met to discuss new approaches to traffic and transportation, including one proposal that would trade parking spots for better road safety.
On Monday, the council’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hosted a public hearing with city officials debating a bill that would remove parking spots near crosswalks as a way to improve pedestrian visibility.
Sponsored by Councilmember Julie Won, a Democrat representing parts of Queens, the legislation would ban vehicles from parking within 20 feet of any intersection with a crosswalk.
New York City lawmakers are currently reviewing a proposal that would ban parking within 20 feet of crosswalks across the five boroughs. The goal? To improve visibility at intersections and make the streets safer for pedestrians.
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Under the new legislation, drivers would no longer be allowed to park in the 20-foot buffer zone leading up to crosswalks — a space that is often obstructed by parked vehicles, creating blind spots for both drivers and walkers.
The policy is being modeled after similar “daylighting” laws in other cities, where removing parked cars near corners has led to fewer crashes and better sightlines.
“Every day, New Yorkers are put at risk simply trying to cross the street,” said Councilmember Selina Ramos, one of the bill’s sponsors. “This is a simple, effective way to reduce accidents and save lives — especially for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.”
Currently, many intersections lack any visual buffer between pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Advocates for the change say that a clearer line of sight could reduce serious injuries and even fatalities, particularly in high-traffic areas.
If passed, the law would affect thousands of curbside parking spots across the city. Some drivers and residents have voiced concern about the loss of parking, especially in already crowded neighborhoods. But safety advocates argue that protecting lives should take precedence over convenience.
“This isn’t about making parking harder — it’s about making walking safer,” said Samir Patel, a spokesperson for the nonprofit StreetSafe NYC. “A few feet of space can make the difference between a safe crossing and a tragedy.”
The City Council is expected to hold additional hearings on the proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, the law would be rolled out in phases, giving drivers and enforcement officials time to adjust.
So if you live in NYC and often park near a crosswalk, you might want to double-check your spot. A 20-foot rule could be coming — and your favorite corner parking space might not be legal for much longer.
