Seven Dead, City Stalls—Demand 20 MPH Now

A 28-year-old male bicyclist suffered neck injuries after a collision with a 2023 SUV on Broadway. The bike struck the SUV’s left side doors as the rider made a left turn. The bicyclist was conscious and complained of whiplash.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Broadway when his bike collided with a 2023 Chevrolet SUV. The bicyclist was making a left turn and impacted the left side doors of the SUV, which was traveling straight south. The bicyclist suffered neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not identify any driver errors or contributing factors for the SUV driver. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634838 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Albany stalls Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph. Families mourn. Lawmakers argue. Streets stay deadly. Supporters demand action. The Assembly hesitates. Lives hang in the balance. The city waits for a vote.

Sammy’s Law, debated on June 2, 2023, remains stalled in the New York State Assembly. The bill, championed by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, would let New York City lower speed limits to 20 mph. The Transportation Committee, led by Bill Magnarelli, cited opposition and procedural delays. The City Council delivered the required home rule message. Amy Cohen, mother of Sammy, pressed the Assembly: "We are demanding that the Assembly bring the bill to a vote." Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal withdrew support, claiming, "This bill is about revenue, not public safety." Despite 68% public support and backing from the mayor and Council, the Assembly remains undecided. The bill’s fate is uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while lawmakers debate.

• NYS Assembly still undecided on ‘Sammy’s Law’ to lower NYC speed limit, nypost.com, Published 2023-06-02

Albany stalls Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph. Families mourn. Lawmakers argue. Streets stay deadly. Supporters demand action. The Assembly hesitates. Lives hang in the balance. The city waits for a vote.

""I was at one of the first news conferences 10 years ago after Sammy was killed to speak about the need to make the streets safer for pedestrians... I feel good about it."" -- Linda Rosenthal

Sammy’s Law, debated on June 2, 2023, remains stalled in the New York State Assembly. The bill, championed by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, would let New York City lower speed limits to 20 mph. The Transportation Committee, led by Bill Magnarelli, cited opposition and procedural delays. The City Council delivered the required home rule message. Amy Cohen, mother of Sammy, pressed the Assembly: "We are demanding that the Assembly bring the bill to a vote." Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal withdrew support, claiming, "This bill is about revenue, not public safety." Despite 68% public support and backing from the mayor and Council, the Assembly remains undecided. The bill’s fate is uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while lawmakers debate.

• NYS Assembly still undecided on ‘Sammy’s Law’ to lower NYC speed limit, nypost.com, Published 2023-06-02

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

SUV in police chase rear-ends stopped SUV on Broadway. Young woman in back seat suffers back injury and shock. Unsafe speed drives the crash. Metal crumples. Sirens echo. Lives changed in a heartbeat.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling north on Broadway collided when the second SUV, involved in a police pursuit, struck the first SUV from behind. The first SUV was stopped in traffic. A 23-year-old female passenger in the rear left seat of the first SUV was injured, suffering back pain and shock. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The collision damaged the center back end of the first SUV and the center front end of the second SUV. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Albany lawmakers refuse to vote on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council and mayor back it. Assembly leadership stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Families wait. The city’s hands remain tied.

Sammy’s Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set speed limits below the state’s 25 mph minimum. The bill, carried by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, stalled in the Assembly despite strong support from the City Council and Mayor. Council Member Jen Gutierrez called the refusal to vote 'unbelievable,' saying, 'Families across the city deserve this vote.' Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, called the inaction 'unconscionable.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said the bill lacks support to reach the floor. The bill passed the City Council’s home rule message but faces Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s resistance. The session ends June 8. Without action, the city cannot lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Sammy’s Law Not Expected to Pass in Assembly, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-31

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 2023-05-31

Albany lawmakers refuse to vote on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council and mayor back it. Assembly leadership stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Families wait. The city’s hands remain tied.

Sammy’s Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set speed limits below the state’s 25 mph minimum. The bill, carried by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, stalled in the Assembly despite strong support from the City Council and Mayor. Council Member Jen Gutierrez called the refusal to vote 'unbelievable,' saying, 'Families across the city deserve this vote.' Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, called the inaction 'unconscionable.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said the bill lacks support to reach the floor. The bill passed the City Council’s home rule message but faces Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s resistance. The session ends June 8. Without action, the city cannot lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Sammy’s Law Not Expected to Pass in Assembly, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-31

NYC leaders went to Albany. They demanded lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill lets the city set its own speed limits. Brad Hoylman-Sigal led the charge. The law is named for a child killed by a car. The fight is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On May 30, 2023, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and other NYC officials lobbied the state legislature to pass key transportation and housing bills before the session ends June 9. The centerpiece is 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let New York City set its own speed limits, potentially lowering them to 20 mph. Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor, said, 'Senators in Massapequa shouldn’t set the speed limit for Manhattan—or the reverse.' The law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a car in Brooklyn. The bill had stalled before, but this year the required home rule resolution was submitted. Mayor Adams’ administration also pushed for affordable housing reforms. The push for Sammy’s Law is a fight to give NYC control over its streets and protect vulnerable road users from deadly speeding.

• NYC officials press Albany to pass critical bills on housing, city speed limit and others before session ends, nypost.com, Published 2023-05-30

A flatbed truck turned right. A woman on a bike rode straight. Steel struck bone. She flew, then fell. Her leg crushed beneath the weight. Shock took her. The truck rolled on, untouched.

A flatbed truck struck a 53-year-old woman riding her bike at the corner of West 110th Street and Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the truck turned right while the cyclist continued straight. The impact ejected her from the bike, crushing her leg and leaving her in shock. The police report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were cited. The cyclist suffered serious injuries to her lower leg and foot. No mention of helmet use or signaling was made in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two sedans collided on West 72 Street near Amsterdam Avenue. The second vehicle struck the first from behind. A 48-year-old front-seat passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by following too closely. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on West 72 Street were involved in a rear-end collision. The second vehicle, driven by a licensed male driver, was following too closely and failed to stop in time, striking the first sedan from behind. The impact injured a 48-year-old female front-seat passenger in the first vehicle, causing neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash caused damage to the center front end of the second vehicle and the center back end of the first.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636049 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

An e-bike struck a 74-year-old woman on West 72nd Street. She bled from the head. The bike stood untouched. Blood marked the pavement. She stayed conscious. The street fell silent. The city kept moving.

A 74-year-old woman was hit by an e-bike on West 72nd Street. According to the police report, she was outside the crosswalk when the crash happened. She suffered a head injury and severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The report states, 'She lay bleeding from the head. Conscious. Hurt. The bike stood untouched.' The e-bike showed no visible damage. The police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were identified in the data. The crash left the woman injured and the street stained with her blood.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan driver suffered a neck injury on Broadway near West 109th Street. The crash happened as a vehicle changed lanes improperly. The driver was not ejected and airbags deployed. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a cause.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male sedan driver was injured in a collision on Broadway near West 109th Street in Manhattan. The driver sustained a neck injury and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Airbags deployed during the crash. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The collision involved a vehicle changing lanes improperly and impacted the left front quarter panel of the sedan. The driver was licensed and traveling southbound. No visible complaints were recorded, and the vehicle sustained damage to the left front quarter panel. The crash highlights driver errors in yielding and lane usage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate bill S 7099 orders complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first blueprints. Gounardes leads. Hoylman-Sigal, Krueger back him.

Senate bill S 7099, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York Senate. Filed May 18, 2023, the bill 'requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the measure. Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Liz Krueger co-sponsor. The bill demands every street project under DOT control put people first—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note is available yet. The bill aims to end car-centric planning.

• File S 7099, Open States, Published 2023-05-18

A taxi hit a 20-year-old cyclist near West 85th. The rider suffered a head abrasion. Both drivers were distracted. The bike’s front and taxi’s rear bumper took damage. Streets remain hostile to the unprotected.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on Amsterdam Avenue collided with a northbound bicyclist near West 85th Street in Manhattan. The 20-year-old male cyclist was injured, suffering a head abrasion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the taxi driver and the cyclist. The bike was struck at its center front end, while the taxi sustained damage to its left rear bumper. The cyclist was not using any safety equipment. This crash underscores the danger posed by driver distraction to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers signed onto the Sammy’s Law resolution. The bill would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Brooks-Powers stressed pairing lower speeds with street redesigns. The resolution now has 23 co-sponsors, still short of a majority.

On May 17, 2023, Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers joined the resolution for Sammy’s Law, a measure urging Albany to let New York City set speed limits under 25 mph. The resolution, led by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, is a required step before state passage. Brooks-Powers had withheld support until the bill included street redesigns for safety, especially in low-income communities of color. She said, 'Lowering speed limits works best when paired with traffic calming and street safety infrastructure.' The resolution now has 23 co-sponsors, three short of a majority. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has not signed on. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal sponsors the bill in Albany. Sammy’s Law is named for a child killed by a reckless driver. Last year, the Council failed to pass a home rule message under Speaker Adams.

• Council Transportation Chair Signs Onto ‘Sammy’s Law’ Resolution, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-17

A 57-year-old man was hit by a box truck while crossing West 82 Street with the signal. He suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. The impact came from the truck's right front bumper. The pedestrian was bruised and unconscious.

According to the police report, a box truck struck a 57-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection of West 82 Street and Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. He sustained a head injury, resulting in unconsciousness and contusions. The point of impact was the truck's right front bumper. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the report. The pedestrian was not ejected and was injured at the scene. The report does not indicate any driver license issues or vehicle damage. The pedestrian’s compliance with the crossing signal is noted, and no helmet or signaling factors apply.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 98-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a right turn on Amsterdam Avenue. The driver failed to yield and had limited view. The pedestrian suffered a back injury and shock at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 98-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Amsterdam Avenue at West 68th Street with the signal. The driver of a 2022 RAM sedan, traveling east and making a right turn, struck her with the vehicle's left front bumper. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a back injury and was in shock. The sedan showed no damage. The driver was licensed in New Jersey. No other injuries or violations were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16