Speed Kills Here. City Lets It Happen.

Albany lawmakers want more buses and cheaper fares. They propose $90 million for frequent service and 15 new free routes. The plan targets gridlock and aims to boost ridership before congestion pricing hits. Riders in every borough stand to gain.

Bill proposals in the New York State Assembly and Senate, introduced in February 2024 by State Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, seek $90 million for increased bus service and 15 more free bus routes. These measures, part of the 'Get Congestion Pricing Right' package, appear in both houses’ 'one-house' budgets as of March 12, 2024. The matter summary states: 'City buses would run more frequently under new proposals from state legislators in Albany, who included increased bus services and new fare discounts in budget proposals.' Mamdani and Gianaris led the push, citing the need for better transit before congestion pricing launches this summer. Their plan includes expanded Fair Fares, new discounts for seniors and disabled riders, and a weekly CityTicket for unlimited intracity rail travel. Advocates and lawmakers argue these steps are critical for equity and access, especially as the city prepares to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The proposals now enter negotiations with Governor Hochul.

• Legislators Propose More Bus Service, Transit Discounts In State Budget Negotiations, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-12

An ambulance struck the left side of an SUV traveling south on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver, a 49-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:53 on Northern Boulevard in Queens. An ambulance traveling west collided with the left side doors of a southbound SUV. The SUV driver, a 49-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and upper arm and shoulder injuries but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor, indicating driver error in yielding. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The ambulance sustained front-end damage, and the SUV had damage to its left side doors. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behavior was cited as contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709220 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway at dusk. The front passenger suffered a concussion and head injury. Police cite improper passing or lane usage as the cause. Both vehicles struck on their front quarter panels, revealing a merging error.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:30 on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans traveling east. One vehicle was going straight ahead while the other was merging. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the first sedan and the left front quarter panel of the second sedan. The contributing factor identified was 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' indicating a driver error during lane changes or merging. A 29-year-old female front passenger in the first sedan was injured, sustaining a head injury and concussion, and was conscious at the scene. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger's behavior. The collision highlights the dangers of improper lane usage on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Motorcycle slammed into SUV on Northern Boulevard. Rider ejected. Back injured. Whiplash. Police cite failure to yield and improper lane use. SUV driver licensed. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a motorcycle and an SUV collided at 11:48 AM on Northern Boulevard near Newtown Road in Queens. The unlicensed male motorcyclist was ejected and suffered back injuries and whiplash. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and making a right turn. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger faced by vulnerable road users on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709174 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 26-year-old unlicensed moped driver suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a right front bumper impact while making a right turn in Queens. The driver was conscious and not ejected, sustaining moderate injuries without safety equipment.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 37 Avenue near Northern Boulevard in Queens at 8:20 PM. The moped, driven by a 26-year-old male without a license, was making a right turn when it was struck on the right front bumper. The driver, who was not wearing any safety equipment, sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report notes the driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or driver errors were explicitly cited in the report. The incident highlights the risks posed by unlicensed operation and the impact of collisions involving mopeds in the borough.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709425 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Defective brakes sent three sedans crashing on Grand Central Parkway. One driver took a blow to the head and went into shock. The crash left twisted metal and a clear cause: mechanical failure behind the wheel.

According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway at 5:54 AM. One 29-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and shock. The report lists 'Brakes Defective' as the main contributing factor, with 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' also noted. All drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash. The vehicles—a 2023 Cadillac, a 2021 Chevrolet, and a 2007 Toyota—sustained front and rear damage, showing a chain reaction impact. The injured driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report points to mechanical failure as the root cause, with driver inattention also present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707811 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two sedans collided on 30 Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The driver of one vehicle suffered a back contusion but remained conscious. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause, highlighting systemic danger on city streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:48 on 30 Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. Two sedans were involved: one traveling east going straight ahead, the other making a left turn traveling south. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the eastbound sedan and the center front end of the southbound sedan. The driver of the eastbound sedan, a 25-year-old male occupant, suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707739 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 26-year-old woman suffered back injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn in Queens. The impact occurred at an intersection where the pedestrian was crossing with the signal. Limited driver visibility contributed to the collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 31 Avenue in Queens struck a 26-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle's right front bumper impacted her. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. Additionally, 'View Obstructed/Limited' is noted, indicating the driver’s limited visibility played a role. The pedestrian sustained a back injury classified as severity level 3 and was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and operating a 2007 Toyota sedan. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s actions were listed beyond the crossing signal usage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707738 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan and garbage truck crashed head-on on Steinway Street. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries. Police blame improper lane use. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the Queens night.

According to the police report, a sedan and a garbage truck collided at 3:05 AM on Steinway Street in Queens. The sedan, heading south, struck the northbound garbage truck. The sedan driver, a 22-year-old man, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. Police cite 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the main contributing factor, pointing to driver error in lane handling. Both vehicles took damage to their left front bumpers, marking the violent point of impact. The report lists no victim actions as contributing factors. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to keep to their lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707388 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan driver in Queens injured his face in a rear-end collision caused by following too closely. The crash involved two sedans traveling east on 29 Street near 31 Avenue. The driver suffered minor bleeding and shock but was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:14 AM on 29 Street near 31 Avenue in Queens. Two sedans traveling east collided when the driver of the trailing sedan failed to maintain a safe distance, resulting in a rear-end impact. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The driver, a 34-year-old male occupant of the rear sedan, sustained facial injuries with minor bleeding and was in shock. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle damage was noted on the center front end of the rear sedan and the left rear quarter panel of the front sedan. The report does not cite any contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707446 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Lawmakers push to triple fare-free bus lines. Fifteen routes, more buses, faster rides. Focus on low-income neighborhoods. The move aims to shift New Yorkers from cars to transit. Congestion pricing looms. Riders want speed, reliability, and access.

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the 'Congestion Pricing Done Right' bill on March 4, 2024. The bill, now before the legislature, seeks to expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from five to fifteen lines, with three in each borough. The measure promises $45 million for better bus reliability and frequency, targeting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The bill summary states: 'expand and extend New York City's fare-free bus pilot program.' Gianaris, as sponsor, aims to boost mass transit before congestion pricing takes effect. Supporters, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Riders Alliance, and the Transport Workers Union, stress that affordable, frequent buses are vital for safety and equity. MTA Chair Janno Lieber backs more service but warns that bus lanes lag behind. The bill focuses on routes that can handle more buses without new infrastructure, aiming to make public transit a real alternative to cars.

• More free rides? State lawmakers look to triple size of NYC fare-free bus pilot, increase frequency ahead of congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-04

Lawmakers push to triple fare-free bus lines. Fifteen routes, more buses, faster rides. Focus on low-income neighborhoods. The move aims to shift New Yorkers from cars to transit. Congestion pricing looms. Riders want speed, reliability, and access.

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the 'Congestion Pricing Done Right' bill on March 4, 2024. The bill, now before the legislature, seeks to expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from five to fifteen lines, with three in each borough. The measure promises $45 million for better bus reliability and frequency, targeting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The bill summary states: 'expand and extend New York City's fare-free bus pilot program.' Gianaris, as sponsor, aims to boost mass transit before congestion pricing takes effect. Supporters, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Riders Alliance, and the Transport Workers Union, stress that affordable, frequent buses are vital for safety and equity. MTA Chair Janno Lieber backs more service but warns that bus lanes lag behind. The bill focuses on routes that can handle more buses without new infrastructure, aiming to make public transit a real alternative to cars.

• More free rides? State lawmakers look to triple size of NYC fare-free bus pilot, increase frequency ahead of congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-04

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, 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 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

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28