Seven Dead, City Stalls—Demand 20 MPH Now

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year. Cyclists need steel and concrete, not paint. The bill sits in committee. Streets could change. Lives hang in the balance.

Int 0271-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Rivera, Louis, Hanif, Ossé, Brewer, Cabán, Nurse, Hudson, Salaam, Bottcher, Gutiérrez, Feliz, Won, and Joseph. The bill demands the Department of Transportation install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The aim: real protection for cyclists and a safer city grid.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill targets private car permits. Only elected officials, disabled drivers, and union contracts keep parking perks. Streets may clear. Danger shifts. Committee weighs next step.

Int 0411-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its February 28, 2024 introduction. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won, Lincoln Restler, Gale Brewer, Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Alexa Avilés, and the Brooklyn Borough President, aims to 'prohibit any city agency from issuing parking permits to private vehicles that do not have an elected official license plate, and would provide for the revocation of such parking permits.' Exemptions remain for people with disabilities and collective bargaining agreements. The bill seeks to cut back on private car privileges, a move that could reshape curb space and city streets.

• File Int 0411-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

DOT missed legal targets for protected lanes. Council mostly silent. Mayor cut funds. Projects stalled. Streets stay deadly. Vulnerable New Yorkers left exposed. Leadership absent. Promises broken. Change delayed. The city’s most fragile pay the price.

On February 28, 2024, the conflict between the City Council and Department of Transportation over the Streets Master Plan erupted. The DOT failed to meet 2023’s legal benchmarks: just 5.2 miles of protected bus lanes built out of 30 required, and 32 miles of protected bike lanes out of 50 mandated by 2019 law. Council Member Chi Ossé (District 36) was mentioned, but only six of 51 council members responded to DOT’s call for safety project suggestions. The matter centers on the DOT’s report and council inaction: 'Out of 51 City Council members, only six responded to a request from DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for recommended locations where street safety improvements should be made in their districts.' Mayor Adams slashed DOT’s budget and weakened projects, while council leaders deflected responsibility. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and Elizabeth Adams demanded decisive action, warning that delays and excuses cost lives. More than half of New Yorkers remain far from protected bike lanes as daily cycling surges. The city’s vulnerable road users remain at risk while officials pass the buck.

• Divorce NY Style: The Council and DOT Have Moved to Splitsville, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-02-28

Council and DOT are at war. Bike lanes stall. Bus lanes stall. Six of 51 council members respond to DOT’s call for safety ideas. Most ignore it. Mayor Adams shrugs off legal mandates. Projects stall. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable road users pay.

On February 28, 2024, the New York City Council and Department of Transportation (DOT) faced off over street safety project implementation. The matter, described as a conflict over 'the implementation of street safety improvements, particularly protected bike lanes and bus lanes,' exposes deep rifts. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez asked council members for input; only six of 51 replied. Council Member Gale Brewer cited ignored past outreach. Joe Borelli dismissed bike lanes and DOT’s efforts. Speaker Adrienne Adams and Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers insisted the agency, not lawmakers, must pick locations. The city is failing to meet legal benchmarks for new lanes. Mayor Adams has sidelined mandates for community feedback. Advocates blame both the council and mayor for delays, missed projects, and rising danger. Decisive leadership is missing. The city’s legal obligations for street safety remain unmet.

• Divorce NY Style: The Council and DOT Have Moved to Splitsville, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-28

Council cracks down on shops selling fire-prone e-bike batteries. Penalties rise. FDNY joins enforcement. Vendors face new rules—no more goods in bike lanes. Brewer and Menin push reforms. Fires killed 18 last year. Law aims to protect lives, streets.

On February 28, 2024, the City Council passed a package of bills led by Councilmember Gale A. Brewer (District 6). The legislation, heard in committee and passed on this date, increases penalties for businesses selling uncertified e-bikes and scooters with dangerous lithium-ion batteries. Brewer said, 'We are not only going after the batteries, we are going after the stores that are selling the batteries.' The FDNY will now assist the Department of Consumer and Worker Protections in enforcement. Fines for repeat violators can reach $2,000. Brewer’s second bill requires e-bike sellers to post safety information in stores and online, with fines up to $350. Councilmember Julie Menin sponsored additional reforms easing street vendor regulations and banning vending in bike lanes. The bills respond to a deadly spike in battery fires—18 killed in 2023, triple the previous year. Lawmakers aim to protect vulnerable road users and workers who rely on these devices.

• NYC Council increases penalties for selling fire-causing e-bikes, passes street vendor reforms, gothamist.com, Published 2024-02-28

Senate bill S 8658 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors push MTA to act. Riders wait for relief. Streets choke on traffic. The city holds its breath.

Senate bill S 8658, introduced on February 27, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to boost bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Senators Michael Gianaris (primary sponsor), Jabari Brisport, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Julia Salazar back the measure. The bill demands reporting on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 8658, Open States, Published 2024-02-27

A 23-year-old male bicyclist suffered a fractured lower leg after colliding with an SUV merging on Broadway. The crash involved improper lane usage by the vehicle and confusion by the bicyclist. The bicyclist was unlicensed and riding southbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway at 11:16. A 23-year-old male bicyclist traveling southbound was injured when struck by a 2013 Honda SUV merging into his lane. The SUV's right front bumper impacted the bicyclist, causing a fracture and dislocation to the knee and lower leg. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor on the vehicle driver's part. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted as a contributing factor for the bicyclist. The bicyclist was unlicensed and not wearing safety equipment. The collision highlights driver error in merging maneuvers and the resulting harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 71-year-old female bicyclist suffered a head injury and concussion after an SUV struck her on Central Park West. The SUV was parked but improperly used its lane, causing the collision. The bicyclist remained conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:40 AM on Central Park West. A 2015 Toyota SUV, occupied by five people and driven by a licensed male driver, was parked but involved in the collision due to 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The impact occurred on the SUV's right side doors. The bicyclist, a 71-year-old female traveling northbound, was injured in the head and suffered a concussion. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The police report identifies the SUV driver's improper lane usage as the contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. This incident highlights the dangers posed by improper vehicle lane use near vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704191 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A northbound SUV struck two parked taxis on Henry Hudson Parkway. The SUV driver suffered a shoulder injury and contusion. Police cited passing too closely and following too closely as contributing factors. No pedestrians were involved or injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:45 AM on Henry Hudson Parkway. A 53-year-old male driver of a 2015 SUV was injured, sustaining a shoulder-upper arm injury and contusions. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The SUV collided with two parked taxis, impacting their right front quarter panel and bumper. Both taxis were stationary before the crash. The SUV driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report highlights driver errors related to vehicle spacing and passing maneuvers, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

More delivery workers now register their mopeds. Police crackdowns and ticket threats push them to comply. Advocates step in, guiding new immigrants through red tape. Sellers rarely warn buyers about legal requirements. Workers pay steep fees to keep earning and avoid losing their rides.

This report, published February 21, 2024, details the surge in moped registrations among New York City delivery workers. DMV data show ZIP codes with many deliveristas now lead in registered mopeds. The article quotes workers like Junior Pichardo, who says, 'If you have plates, [the police] won’t summons you.' Eric Macario and William Medina, both delivery workers, highlight confusion and lack of information about registration and insurance. Medina blames sellers for failing to inform buyers. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Alex Bores have introduced a bill to require sellers to register mopeds before sale, but it remains pending. For now, advocates help workers navigate the system. Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project says many only learn the rules after police seize their mopeds or issue tickets. The crackdown exposes systemic gaps, leaving vulnerable workers to bear the cost and risk.

• Data Dive: More Delivery Workers are Registering Their Mopeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-21

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A 48-year-old male driver suffered shoulder abrasions after his sedan was struck in the left rear quarter panel by an eastbound SUV. The crash occurred as both vehicles traveled straight, with driver distraction cited as a key factor.

According to the police report, the collision occurred on Cathedral Parkway involving a 2013 Toyota SUV traveling east and a 2018 Toyota sedan traveling north. The SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of the sedan. The sedan's driver, a 48-year-old male, was injured with abrasions and shoulder-upper arm injuries but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before impact. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end, while the sedan's left rear quarter panel was damaged. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the sedan driver or other road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701130 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan struck a 66-year-old man at Broadway and West 68th. The impact broke bones in his chest. He stayed conscious. The car’s right front quarter panel took the hit. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a 2022 Honda sedan at the intersection of Broadway and West 68 Street in Manhattan at 9:15 PM. The sedan, traveling north, struck the man with its right front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered chest fractures and dislocations, rated as a level 3 injury, but remained conscious after the crash. The report does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead before the collision. No additional contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08