Sep 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - E-bike use surges. Streets stay deadly. Calls for licensing miss the mark. Advocates demand protected lanes, clear intersections, and employer accountability. Restrictive rules push riders to riskier modes. Real safety comes from design, not blame.

This opinion, published September 26, 2024, argues against e-bike licensing and for street redesign. The article, titled 'Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First,' highlights the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians due to poor infrastructure. It supports Council Member Lincoln Restler’s bill to enforce bike and bus lane obstruction rules and backs state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s proposal for employer-based delivery worker licensing. The piece states: 'Such proposals are heavy-handed and will deter and discourage e-bike ridership without effectively ensuring their safe operations on the street.' The author urges protected bike lanes, daylighted intersections, and moving Citi Bike docks off sidewalks. The message is clear: systemic fixes, not punitive measures, protect vulnerable road users.

• Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 23 - Streetsblog calls out the Times for ignoring car culture’s deadly toll. Anti-bike voices rage as double-parked cars and reckless drivers menace Long Island City. A cyclist is struck in Brooklyn. Universal daylighting advances. The city’s streets remain dangerous for the vulnerable.

On September 23, 2024, Streetsblog NYC published a media commentary titled 'Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition.' The piece criticizes The New York Times for failing to address the harm car culture inflicts on public health and urban safety, quoting, 'The Times is so blind to car culture that it can't even blame the automobile for sedentary lifestyles.' The article highlights ongoing dangers for pedestrians and cyclists, including a cyclist struck by a driver in Brooklyn and persistent double-parking in Long Island City. It notes an Upper Manhattan community board’s vote for universal daylighting, a proven safety measure. No council members are directly named, but the commentary centers the systemic risks cars pose to vulnerable road users and the media’s failure to confront these dangers.

• Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-23

Sep 23 - Manhattan crawls. UN General Assembly brings gridlock. Streets close. Traffic drops below 4 mph. DOT urges mass transit. Cyclists get a temporary lane. Permanent fix in the works. Emergency response slows. Hoylman-Sigal sounds alarm. No relief in sight.

On September 23, 2024, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and the New York City Department of Transportation announced the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year as the United Nations General Assembly convenes. The DOT warns, 'motorists should expect the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown,' with average speeds dipping below 4 mph and key streets closed. Hoylman-Sigal, co-author of a new traffic report, highlights that Midtown speeds are the slowest since records began—20% slower than a decade ago. The report notes emergency response times have suffered. DOT continues a temporary bike lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users, with plans for a permanent design. Hoylman-Sigal supports congestion pricing and safer streets, but Governor Hochul has paused the plan. The city expects more gridlock days through December. Vulnerable road users face narrowed space and slower emergency help as cars choke Midtown.

• Brace for the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year. The UN is in town., gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-23

Sep 6 - A sedan making a right turn struck a westbound bicyclist on East 61 Street in Manhattan. The 25-year-old cyclist suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries. The crash highlights driver inexperience as a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:10 on East 61 Street near 5 Avenue in Manhattan. A sedan was making a right turn while a bicyclist was traveling westbound straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan's center front end and the bike's left front quarter panel. The 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report cites driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing behaviors by the bicyclist. Vehicle damage was reported as none. This incident underscores the dangers posed by driver errors, particularly in turning maneuvers involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4754123 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 5 - Council Member Gale Brewer stood with opponents against a 96th Street bus lane. She cited parking and speed concerns. DOT said parking stays. Advocates called her out for ignoring slow buses and 15,000 daily riders. Brewer claimed support for bus lanes elsewhere.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly opposed a dedicated bus lane on West 96th Street at a rally. The matter, described as a 'City Council member public statement/rally regarding bus lane project,' saw Brewer call on DOT to remove two blocks from the crosstown bus lane plan, citing the area's 'residential character' and questioning the need due to 'current bus speeds.' Brewer, who once backed bus lanes on 14th, 34th, and 181st Streets, now argued for alternatives and said, 'I'm a bus rider who takes this bus every day. It's not slow.' DOT countered that parking would be preserved and loading zones added. Transit advocates criticized Brewer for ignoring data on slow westbound buses and the needs of 15,000 daily riders. Council Member Shaun Abreu, who represents the district, did not attend and stated he does not oppose the bus lane. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Self-Proclaimed Bus Lane Champion Gale Brewer Tries To Tank Bus Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-05

Sep 5 - Councilmember Gale Brewer stands with Upper West Siders against a new 96th Street bus lane. Residents rally. DOT wants faster buses. Brewer demands alternatives. The fight pits transit speed against curb access. DOT vows to move forward. Riders wait.

On September 5, 2024, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer (District 6) joined Upper West Side residents to oppose the Department of Transportation’s plan for dedicated bus lanes on 96th Street. The proposal, announced in May, would convert a traffic lane in each direction to bus-only use between First and West End avenues, aiming to speed up the M96 and M106 routes. Brewer, who previously supported bus lanes elsewhere, told the crowd, 'There are concerns that we have. I think that you have to look at alternatives to making the bus go faster.' The matter, titled by Gothamist as 'Yet another NYC bus lane plan faces big fight, this time from angry Upper West Siders,' highlights tension between transit improvements and local access. DOT officials say the lanes will help over 15,000 daily bus riders. No formal safety analysis was provided.

• Yet another NYC bus lane plan faces big fight, this time from angry Upper West Siders, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-05

Sep 5 - Upper West Side residents and Council Member Shaun Abreu push back on a 96th Street bus lane. DOT aims to speed up slow buses for 15,000 daily riders. Locals cite residential concerns. Debate pits transit needs against curb access. No clear resolution.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Shaun Abreu of District 7 joined Upper West Side residents in questioning the Department of Transportation's plan for a 24/7 offset bus lane on 96th Street. The DOT proposal, intended to speed up the M96 bus for 15,000 daily riders, would repurpose a travel lane in each direction while preserving curb parking. Abreu stated, "I wouldn’t say I’m opposed or in favor at this point," but called for more clarity and adjustments from DOT. The matter, described as a push to 'torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street,' has drawn support from East Side's Community Board 8 and opposition from West Side locals and Council Member Gale Brewer, who suggested alternatives like bus signal priority. The debate centers on balancing transit improvements with residential curb access. No formal committee action or safety analysis has been reported.

• Upper West Side locals seek to torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street, amny.com, Published 2024-09-05

Aug 22 - Three new elevators now run at 14th Street. Riders with disabilities can reach platforms once blocked. The overhaul cost $300 million. More elevators are coming. But 23 other stations wait, stalled by lost congestion pricing funds. Access remains uneven. Riders pay the price.

On August 22, 2024, construction finished on three new elevators at the 14th Street subway complex, serving the F, M, and L lines, with connections to the 1, 2, and 3. The project, a $300 million overhaul, is part of ongoing MTA accessibility efforts. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents District 47, praised the work: "There is a fundamental right to access mass transit. And today we are taking an important step forward in making that right real to all New Yorkers." The upgrades will make the complex fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Still, 23 other stations remain on hold after congestion pricing was paused, freezing $15 billion in planned improvements. Only 30% of stations are accessible. The future for vulnerable riders is uncertain without new funding.

• Construction finished on three new elevators at 14th Street subway complex, amny.com, Published 2024-08-22

Aug 22 - State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal stands firm. He says New York needs congestion pricing. The governor paused the $15 toll. Lawmakers debate lower fees and exemptions. The MTA’s future hangs in the balance. Vulnerable road users wait for action. Streets stay dangerous.

On August 22, 2024, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) joined the debate over New York’s congestion pricing plan. The original $15 toll was paused by Governor Hochul in June. Now, officials consider a lower toll or alternatives to fund the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'we need congestion pricing.' The matter, titled 'MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme,' highlights the urgency of MTA financing. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick noted Hochul’s commitment to a replacement plan. The bill’s status remains in flux, with no committee or vote recorded. The safety impact for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—was not assessed. The city’s most at-risk remain exposed as leaders argue over dollars and cars.

• MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-22

Aug 17 - E-bike ignored traffic control, hit a 49-year-old man crossing with the signal. The man suffered a head injury and concussion. Driver inattention and disregard for signals led to harm.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Central Park West at West 96 Street with the signal when a northbound e-bike struck him head-on. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and concussion, and was found incoherent at the scene. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The e-bike sustained no damage. This crash shows how ignoring traffic signals and driver distraction can cause serious injuries to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749327 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Jul 30 - Governor Hochul scraped up $54 million to restart the Second Avenue Subway. The MTA’s $15 billion hole remains. Lawmakers argue. Riders wait. The city’s future hangs on next year’s budget. Streets stay dangerous. The fix is not here.

On July 30, 2024, Governor Hochul announced $54 million in state funding to restart the stalled Second Avenue Subway project. The project had paused after Hochul halted congestion pricing, leaving a $15 billion gap in the MTA’s budget. State Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jeremy Cooney said, "I continue to believe this is an issue that can’t wait until next year’s session." The legislature ended its session without a plan to replace lost toll revenue. Hochul promised to address the shortfall in the 2025 budget. Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs praised Hochul’s commitment to East Harlem, while Rep. Adriano Espaillat thanked her for the funding. Critics warned the $54 million is a drop in the bucket. The MTA’s $70 billion capital plan hangs in the balance. No immediate relief for transit riders or vulnerable road users. The system remains at risk.

• Hochul finds $54M in state funding to restart Second Avenue Subway project stalled after congestion ‘pause’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-30

Jul 24 - State Sen. Jeremy Cooney calls out Governor Hochul. He demands a 100-day plan to fill the $16.5 billion MTA gap left by her congestion pricing pause. Projects for safer, more accessible transit hang in the balance. Albany leaders mostly stay silent.

On July 24, 2024, State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, new chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued a public demand for Governor Hochul to deliver a '100-day plan' to replace the $16.5 billion MTA funding shortfall caused by her cancellation of congestion pricing. In his op-ed, Cooney wrote, 'the time for debating the merits of congestion pricing has passed,' urging the governor to convene finance, labor, and passenger representatives to find a solution. Cooney’s push comes as the MTA faces threats to station accessibility, signal upgrades, and new trains and buses. Other Albany leaders, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate President Andrea Stewart-Cousins, have offered little response. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger called Hochul’s move illegal. The bill or action is not numbered, but the committee involved is the Senate Transportation Committee. No direct safety analyst note was provided, but the loss of funding jeopardizes projects vital to vulnerable road users.

• Hochul Must Put Up or Shut Up on Congestion Pricing, New Senate Transportation Chair Says, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-24

Jul 19 - Council Speaker Adams wavers on using new power to lower speed limits. She calls for district input. Advocates warn: patchwork rules endanger lives. Uniform 20 mph limit saves people. Council delays action as streets stay deadly.

On July 19, 2024, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams addressed the Council’s authority under Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City lower its speed limit. The matter, discussed in Streetsblog, quotes Adams: “Each Council member is going to have to weigh in on how they feel it should be enacted or should not be enacted in their district.” Adams hesitated to commit to a citywide 20 mph limit, instead suggesting community-by-community decisions. Eric McClure of StreetsPAC called this approach “chaotic and dangerous,” pushing for a uniform 20 mph limit to save lives. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives urged a comprehensive, data-driven plan. State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Brad Hoylman-Sigal pressed the Council to use its new powers. The Department of Transportation clarified its limited authority. The Council’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Speaker Adams: Council May Not Use its ‘Sammy’s Law’ Power to Lower Speed Limits, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-19

Jul 12 - New state law forces moped and e-bike sellers to register vehicles, educate buyers, and ban unsafe batteries. Lawmakers say this closes loopholes, shifts blame from workers, and aims to cut rising crashes. Streets see more mopeds, more injuries, more tension.

On July 12, 2024, Governor Hochul signed a package of eight bills into law, including new moped and e-bike safety regulations. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Alex Bores, requires retailers to register mopeds at the point of sale, provide safety information, and prohibit the sale of substandard lithium-ion batteries. The law also mandates crash reporting and new safety training for first responders. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'I've received more complaints about the hazards these mopeds cause than just about any other issue.' Bores added, 'By requiring the registration of mopeds at point of sale and the collection of e-bike collision data, we are making our streets safer and increasing accountability.' The law shifts accountability to retailers, aiming to improve street safety without penalizing delivery workers. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and State Senator Liz Kruger also voiced support, highlighting the dangers of unregistered mopeds and the need for better buyer education. The law responds to a sharp rise in moped-related injuries and community complaints across New York City.

• Moped and E-Bike Safety Legislation Becomes State Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-12

Jul 10 - SUV driver’s inexperience led to a crash with a cyclist on West 110th. The rider was ejected and bruised but stayed conscious. The SUV was parked. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a crash happened at 8:50 AM near West 110 Street in Manhattan. A 33-year-old woman riding east on a bike struck the left side doors of a parked SUV. She was ejected and suffered bruises and arm injuries but remained conscious. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor for the SUV driver. No factors were cited for the cyclist. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The crash left the cyclist hurt, underscoring the risk for those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 2 - State senators debate cutting the $15 congestion toll. Brad Hoylman-Sigal backs a lower fee if safety and transit gains hold. Liz Krueger wants $1 billion for the MTA. Jabari Brisport slams the rushed process. Trump vows to kill the tolls.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), discussed reducing the $15 base congestion pricing fee. The debate, reported by Gothamist, centers on whether a lower toll could unfreeze the program while still funding the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, "Nobody's wedded to $15. We are wedded to the improvements that congestion pricing will provide for mass transit or safety on our streets for cleaner air." Sen. Liz Krueger is open to a new fee if it raises $1 billion yearly. Sen. Jabari Brisport criticized the lack of study and feedback in the process, calling it "irresponsible." Any change needs legislative, MTA, and federal approval. Trump has promised to end congestion pricing if elected. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NY lawmakers weigh lower congestion pricing fee – but Trump could kill tolls if elected, gothamist.com, Published 2024-07-02