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PS 54 Parents Secure Speed Bump; Want Another

By CHRISTINE HOFFMANN

PS 54 parents learned a lesson of their own recently: When you take collective action, you can accomplish things. 

A group of parents brought their concern about speeding cars in front of the school to a neighborhood meeting organized by the Fordham Bedford Organizing Project and got quick results.

The parents decided it was time to put a halt to reckless, speeding cars on Decatur Ave. near 195th Street, where children walk to school. 

Parent Alexis Brummell said she has witnessed several near-accidents. "There were a lot of times when I saw cars stop really short to avoid hitting kids," Brummell said. "I myself almost got hit by speeding cars. The cars don't pay attention to the signs. A bump would have to make them [the cars] slow down and acknowledge that there is a school with kids crossing the street." 

And parent Miriannette Cruz said she witnessed a car hitting a child's leg a couple of years ago. 

The parents wanted a speed bump installed near the school. After raising the issue with a Department of Transportation official who attended the meeting, a speed bump was installed between 195th and 197th streets within a couple of weeks. 

Parents are happy with the quick action but say there's more work to do. 

Cruz said there needs to be another speed bump about a block south of the one already installed -- between 194th and 195th streets -- because that's where heavy foot traffic is and where previous accidents have occurred. 

"I am pleased with the speed bump there now," she said. "[But] we also need one more where the accidents usually happen. That's where they [cross the street to get to] the school." 

And parents, who are taking turns directing traffic themselves so that children can cross the street safely, also want a crossing guard assigned to the street. 

If their past success is any guide they won't be waiting very long.

"If we stick together, we can get anything done," Brummell said.

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