Changes driven by a surge in recent pedestrian and cyclist deaths New Orleans recently completed $5.7 million in safety upgrades aimed at preventing bicycle and pedestrian accidents in the city, where these accidents have been a major problem in recent years. “These improvements make it safer for everyone, whether you’re walking, biking, catching the bus, or driving,” New Orleans…
Changes driven by a surge in recent pedestrian and cyclist deaths
New Orleans recently completed $5.7 million in safety upgrades aimed at preventing bicycle and pedestrian accidents in the city, where these accidents have been a major problem in recent years.
“These improvements make it safer for everyone, whether you’re walking, biking, catching the bus, or driving,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a recent statement published by Nola.com. “This project is another example of how we leverage federal dollars to deliver modern, safer streets for our residents.”
New Orleans’ $5.7 million recent road safety project explained
The federally-funded, $5.7 million project included a wide range of road safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists who use Broad Street between Tulane Avenue and the Lafitte Greenway, according to Nola.com. The improvements included:
- Four upgraded intersection signals at Tulane Avenue, Banks Street, Canal Street, and Bienville Avenue. All four intersections now have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant countdown timers designed to make the intersection safer to cross for everyone.
- Traffic-stopping devices at the Lafitte Greenway that allow pedestrians to cross the street safely.
- Full roadway resurfacing on Broad Street between Tulane Avenue and Bienville Avenue.
- Extensive sidewalk repairs and the installation of curb ramps better designed for people who use wheelchairs.
- Creation of new, enhanced bicycle lanes.
New Orleans made the improvements based on the results of a 2024 survey of Greenway users, who expressed concerns about road safety at several intersections on Broad Street, according to Nola.com.
How common are pedestrian accidents in New Orleans?
Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians – especially pedestrian fatalities – have increased dramatically in just the past few months.
Through Nov. 29 of this year, there have been 24 pedestrian fatalities in New Orleans, according to the most recent New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) accident data. That’s seven more pedestrian deaths since Sept. 13 of this year alone.
Statewide, pedestrian accidents have long been a problem in Louisiana as well. In 2022, Louisiana was ranked the second-worst state nationwide for pedestrian fatalities, according to Axios New Orleans. The only state with more pedestrian fatalities that same year was New Mexico.
Are bicycle accidents a problem in New Orleans?
Like pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents – especially fatal collisions – have surged in recent months in New Orleans. Through Nov. 29 of this year, there have been four fatal bicycle accidents in New Orleans, according to the most recent New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) data.
To put that number in perspective, that’s double the number of bicycle fatalities in the past three months alone. There were two bicycle fatalities in New Orleans through Sept. 13 of this year. Then two more cyclists died in accidents between Sept. 13 and Nov. 29, according to NOPD bicycle accident data.
Injured in a pedestrian crash or bicycle accident? We’re on your side.
Accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians in New Orleans can turn into very complicated legal cases. Sometimes, it’s because the driver who caused the accident denies doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s the insurance companies that are the problem. Instead of helping injured pedestrians or cyclists get the help and financial support they need, many of these companies do everything they can to pay injury victims as little as possible (or nothing at all).
New Orleans pedestrian accident lawyer John S. Williams knows exactly what to do in such situations. That’s because he’s been fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians and cyclists in New Orleans for years. If you or someone you love has been injured by a negligent motorist, John and his dedicated legal team can investigate what happened, find the facts that matter, and build a compelling case for the maximum compensation you may deserve.
Put your trust in a New Orleans law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with Louisiana bicycle accident attorney John S. Williams. He can answer your questions and explain all your potential legal options.
“Attorney John S Williams fights long and hard for his clients. He handled a case for me before, and the results were so outstanding, and now I am back for him to handle a second case…” – Destiny A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
