Jun 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 13 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 12 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 12 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 12 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 11 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill demands bike and scooter share firms post road rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No charge for time spent reading. City aims for clarity, not confusion.

Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," compels operators to show safety rules on apps and at stations. Users must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The bill bars operators from charging for this time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Ariola, and Morano. The law aims to make safety rules visible and unavoidable for every rider.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules on apps and stations. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible rules for all. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation,” demands that operators of shared bikes and scooters display city and state traffic rules on apps and at stations. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. Sponsors include Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary), Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Ariola, and Morano. The bill bars operators from charging users for time spent reviewing safety rules. The measure aims to make the rules clear and visible to all users.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules at docks and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible reminders. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," demands operators post rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The law bars operators from charging for the review time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Gutiérrez, Ariola, and Morano. The measure aims for clear, accessible safety information but does not address street design or enforcement.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council targets cracked sidewalks. Owners who ignore repairs face $250 fines. Defects left to fester mean danger for walkers, wheelchair users, and kids. The city moves to hold property owners to account.

Int 1320-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced June 11, 2025. The bill reads: “imposition of civil penalties on property owners who fail to repair sidewalk defects.” Council Members Oswald Feliz (primary sponsor) and Carlina Rivera (co-sponsor) back the measure. If owners ignore DOT repair orders or leave dangerous cracks, they face $250 fines. The bill aims to force action before someone gets hurt. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact for vulnerable road users, but the intent is clear: make sidewalks safer by making owners pay for neglect.

• File Int 1320-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 10 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 8 - City wants cars off 34th Street. Residents fear traffic will flood side streets. Bus riders crawl at five miles an hour. Officials tout safety gains from 14th Street. Tension rises between speed, safety, and neighborhood calm.

The New York Post (2025-06-08) reports that the city proposes restricting cars on 34th Street to create a busway between 3rd and 9th Avenues. Residents worry rerouted vehicles will jam local streets and worsen safety. Jessica Lavoie of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association warns, "diverting traffic from this critical corridor onto narrow residential streets would lead to increased congestion, safety hazards, and diminished quality of life." The Department of Transportation aims to replicate the 14th Street busway, which "reduced congestion, sped up bus travel and curbed accidents." The article highlights the ongoing struggle to balance efficient transit, tunnel access, and neighborhood safety. No specific driver errors are cited, but the plan underscores the systemic risks of shifting car traffic onto residential blocks.

• City Eyes 34th Street Car Ban Plan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-08

Jun 7 - An SUV hit a sedan on West 10th Street in Manhattan. The crash left one driver with a concussion and leg injury. Police cite passing and following too closely. Metal met metal. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two vehicles collided at West 10th Street and 7th Avenue South in Manhattan. According to the police report, a Ford SUV making a left turn struck a Toyota sedan going straight. One driver, a 57-year-old man, suffered a concussion and a lower leg injury. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and male. The sedan sustained damage to its left rear quarter panel. The SUV showed no damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report does not mention helmet use or turn signals as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jun 7 - Two SUVs slammed together on West Street near Christopher. Metal crumpled. One driver suffered whiplash. Passengers shaken. The night air split with the sound of impact. No clear cause. The city’s danger, plain and unyielding.

Two station wagons, both SUVs, collided on West Street at Christopher Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, one driver, a 27-year-old man, was injured and reported whiplash. Passengers in both vehicles were listed as occupants, with unspecified injuries or none reported. The crash involved both vehicles traveling straight, striking center front ends. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors or external causes were identified in the data. Both drivers were licensed and wore lap belts. The crash highlights the ever-present risk on city streets, even when no clear error is found.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jun 7 - A drunk driver tore through Gramercy. He struck Abdulhekim Esiyok in the crosswalk. Bars kept pouring drinks for the driver. Blood alcohol soared. Esiyok died at Bellevue. The driver hit more people before stopping. The city’s system failed again.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-07), Abdulhekim Esiyok, a 23-year-old Turkish immigrant, was killed while crossing Third Avenue after Mahbub Ali, allegedly intoxicated, drove into him. Prosecutors say Ali drank for nearly six hours at three Manhattan bars, reaching a blood alcohol content of .158, almost twice the legal limit. After hitting Esiyok, Ali continued, injuring a cyclist, two more pedestrians, and crashing into a van. The family’s lawsuit cites New York’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bars liable for serving visibly drunk patrons who later cause harm. The article quotes the family’s lawyer: “The family is devastated. They’re still in disbelief.” The case highlights failures in both driver responsibility and alcohol-serving oversight.

• Drunk Driver Kills Immigrant Pedestrian in Manhattan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-07

Jun 6 - A sedan hit a cyclist on Christopher Street at Greenwich Avenue. The crash left the cyclist bruised and hurt in the hip and leg. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal met flesh. The street did not forgive.

A crash on Christopher Street at Greenwich Avenue in Manhattan involved a sedan and a cyclist. The cyclist, a 34-year-old man, suffered injuries to his hip and upper leg, with police noting a contusion. According to the police report, 'Unsafe Speed' was listed as a contributing factor in the collision. The sedan, registered in New Jersey, struck the cyclist head-on while both were traveling straight. No injuries were reported for the sedan's driver or passenger. The data does not list any cyclist error or helmet use as a factor. The report centers the cause on driver speed, underscoring the danger faced by those on bikes in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818611 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jun 5 - Assembly Bill A 8787 keeps school speed zones alive in New York City. It fixes technical errors. It repeals old rules. Streets near schools stay watched. Drivers face checks. Kids walk safer.

Assembly Bill A 8787, sponsored by Deborah Glick, is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repeals certain provisions relating thereto,' was introduced on June 5, 2025. Glick leads the push to keep speed zones near schools, correcting past errors and removing outdated rules. The bill remains under committee review. No safety analyst note was provided, but the measure aims to keep enforcement strong around schools. Vulnerable road users—children—stay in focus.

• File A 8787, Open States, Published 2025-06-05

Jun 2 - Seventeen council members back Ryder’s Law to ban horse-drawn carriages. The bill stalls. Horses bolt, people get hurt. Speaker Adrienne Adams blocks a hearing. The city’s inaction leaves pedestrians, cyclists, and horses at risk. No change for street safety.

On June 2, 2025, City & State NY published an opinion urging action on Ryder’s Law, the stalled NYC Council bill to ban horse-drawn carriages. The article states, "Forcing horses to pound the pavement with heavy carriages in Midtown, where they compete with motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians, is inhumane." Seventeen council members, led by Robert Holden (bill sponsor) and Erik Bottcher (district includes stables), support the ban. Speaker Adrienne Adams has blocked a hearing and vote. The piece highlights recent incidents where bolting horses injured at least four people, including a pedicab driver. Despite the vivid danger, the safety analyst notes: "The event text does not describe any policy or legislative change affecting pedestrians or cyclists, so there is no direct impact on their safety." The bill remains stalled in committee, with no relief for vulnerable road users.

• Opinion: Stop our political blindness on inhumane horse-drawn carriages, City & State NY, Published 2025-06-02