Queens CB4: Bodies on the Asphalt, Promises in the Air

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 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

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 orders bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions, and ramps. DOT must study bollard impact in crowded zones. Aim: shield walkers, especially those with disabilities, from car incursion.

Int 0144-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced February 28, 2024. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to install bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps to improve access for people with disabilities. It also requires a study on bollard effectiveness in high pedestrian traffic areas and the creation of installation guidelines within six months. The matter title reads: 'installation of bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions and pedestrian ramps.' Council Members Shekar Krishnan (primary), Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Shahana K. Hanif, and Crystal Hudson sponsor the bill. The committee last acted on June 25, 2024, laying it over for further review.

• File Int 0144-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 demands notice before city cuts lanes or parking. Moya’s bill forces DOT to warn and hear out locals. Streets change slower. Danger lingers for those on foot and bike.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, it requires the Department of Transportation to give notice and seek comments from council members, community boards, and business groups before removing a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The bill’s matter title: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the measure. The bill slows street redesigns. It gives drivers and businesses more say, but leaves vulnerable road users waiting for safer streets.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to ban car dealers from clogging city streets with vehicles for sale or repair. Fines and impoundment loom. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0462-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to limiting the parking of motor vehicles by dealers,' targets car dealers who use public streets as showrooms or repair lots. Sponsored by Francisco P. Moya (primary), with Shahana K. Hanif, Lincoln Restler, and Sandra Ung as co-sponsors, the measure bans dealers from parking, storing, or maintaining vehicles on city streets except for emergencies. Placards are required for vehicles awaiting repair. Violators face fines and possible impoundment. Owners get a defense if ticketed while a dealer holds their car. The bill aims to reclaim public space and reduce hazards for vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0462-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council demands notice before city cuts lanes or parking. Moya’s bill forces DOT to warn and hear out locals. Streets change slower. Danger lingers for those on foot and bike.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, it requires the Department of Transportation to give notice and seek comments from council members, community boards, and business groups before removing a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The bill’s matter title: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the measure. The bill slows street redesigns. It gives drivers and businesses more say, but leaves vulnerable road users waiting for safer streets.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council eyes new rule: no big lane or parking cuts without warning. Moya leads. DOT must hear out boards, districts, and council before ripping up streets. Delay, not safety, is the focus.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, the bill demands the Department of Transportation give notice and a chance for comment before cutting a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The matter title reads: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the bill, which was referred to committee the same day. The bill centers on process, not protection. No safety impact for vulnerable road users is noted.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council eyes new rule: no big lane or parking cuts without warning. Moya leads. DOT must hear out boards, districts, and council before ripping up streets. Delay, not safety, is the focus.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, the bill demands the Department of Transportation give notice and a chance for comment before cutting a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The matter title reads: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the bill, which was referred to committee the same day. The bill centers on process, not protection. No safety impact for vulnerable road users is noted.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. All cars stop. Kids cross in every direction. Fewer deadly turns. Streets safer at bell time. No more waiting for tragedy.

Resolution Res 0060-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The bill calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The matter title reads: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks stop all traffic, letting students cross in any direction. The Council notes: 'Such legislation could increase the safety of New York City students traveling to and from school.'

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. All cars stop. Kids cross in every direction. Fewer deadly turns. Streets safer at bell time. No more waiting for tragedy.

Resolution Res 0060-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The bill calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The matter title reads: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks stop all traffic, letting students cross in any direction. The Council notes: 'Such legislation could increase the safety of New York City students traveling to and from school.'

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. Cars stop. Kids cross in all directions. Fewer deadly conflicts. Bill aims to shield students at arrival and dismissal. Action now sits in committee.

Resolution 0060-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The measure, introduced February 28, 2024, calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The resolution states: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks halt all vehicles, letting pedestrians cross in every direction. This design cuts car-pedestrian conflicts, especially for children. The council's action follows years of crashes near schools and a drop in crossing guards. The bill aims to protect the city's most vulnerable road users—its students.

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, 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 63-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an e-bike traveling east struck her while she crossed Roosevelt Avenue outside a crosswalk. The impact damaged the bike’s front end. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained abrasions.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling east on Roosevelt Avenue struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike, which sustained damage. The pedestrian was injured with abrasions and trauma to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The crash occurred in Queens at 10:00 a.m. The data shows no mention of driver license status or other vehicle occupants, focusing the incident on the e-bike’s collision with the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703704 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 20-year-old man suffered neck injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck him while he crossed with the signal. Glare and limited view obstructed the driver’s sight, contributing to the collision at a Queens intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:00 PM on 55 Avenue near Justice Avenue in Queens. A 2019 Ford SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn when it struck a 20-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a neck injury described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report cites glare and a view obstructed or limited as contributing factors, indicating the driver failed to adequately see the pedestrian during the turn. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. No damage was reported to the SUV. The collision highlights driver error related to visibility impairments during turning maneuvers in busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705462 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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

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