FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2025
Statement from Mayor Noble regarding pedestrian safety:
I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Gary White and send my sincerest condolences to his loved ones. He was a valuable member of the Kingston community, and he will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to other families whose loved ones have been hurt on City streets.
As I gave my State of the City speech Tuesday night, which discussed the many safety projects and initiatives we have implemented or are launching this year, there were community members and activists in the crowd who had attended to share their understandable outrage at yet another cyclist/pedestrian death. I want you to know: I hear you. For this reason, I want to dispel some misinformation that may be adding more pain to an already sad situation.
The Kingston Police Department has been as open and transparent as they are able, as they conducted their investigation. Concerned community members can request a copy of KPD’s report, just like all other reports, by submitting a Freedom of Information Law request through the City’s website. Right now, I can say that an accident reconstruction, which is the norm in a fatal crash, was not conducted at the scene because the incident wasn’t initially fatal. Unfortunately, the victim’s injuries were much more severe than were immediately apparent. He was responsive at the scene and died hours after being taken to the hospital.
In my State of the City address, the word ‘safety’ was used more than 10 times. I want the community to know that this is a topic close to my heart and top of mind, and one that my administration works tirelessly to support. From the Grants Department that looks for funding opportunities for street projects, the Engineering Department that works with design firms and experts to implement best practices, the Public Works Department that paints our streets and crosswalks, the Health & Wellness Department that leads the Travel Well team and works closely with the Complete Streets Advisory Council, to the Police Department that enforces traffic safety, my staff work toward the goal of safe streets each and every day.
In the last two years, the City of Kingston adopted the Safe System approach, changed the speed limit to 25 miles per hour throughout the City, passed legislation to install speed cameras in school zones, constructed speed tables and installed rapid flashing beacons, conducted ‘Be a Road Hero,’ a traffic safety education campaign, and the Police Department partnered with Ulster County on multiple traffic safety enforcement campaigns.
The worst thing that can happen on a mayor’s watch is for the community to suffer a tragic loss. We all want to live in a safer, more secure City. Let’s work together to that end.