Sidewalks Are Not Safe—And Your Silence Kills

Council bill orders DOT to repair broken curbs during street resurfacing. Hazardous curbs trip, trap, and injure. The fix is overdue. Pedestrians need solid ground. Council moves to force action.

Int 0724-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill commands DOT to repair broken curbs that pose safety hazards during any resurfacing project. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Members Schulman, Gennaro (primary), Gutiérrez, Louis, Brewer, and Avilés sponsor the measure. The bill targets a simple danger: shattered curbs that trip and injure. If passed, DOT must fix these hazards as routine, not afterthought. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0724-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Two SUVs collided head-on on Van Wyck Expressway. The 44-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and shock, restrained by a lap belt. Police cited driver inattention as the cause, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving on busy roadways.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided, impacting at the right front quarter panel of a 2015 Jeep and the left front quarter panel of a 2022 Honda SUV. The 44-year-old male driver of the Jeep, who was wearing a lap belt, sustained a head injury and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision caused significant damage to the right front quarter panel of the Jeep and the left side doors of the Honda. No ejections occurred. The evidence points to driver distraction as the critical error leading to this violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709683 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill would pay up to $1,000 for tips that help catch hit-and-run drivers who injure or kill. Police and city workers are barred from rewards. The measure targets unsolved crashes that leave victims behind.

Int 0143-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced February 28, 2024. The bill states: 'establishing a reward for individuals who provide information leading to the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person who seriously injures or kills another individual in a hit-and-run accident.' Council Member Rita C. Joseph leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brooks-Powers, Narcisse, Vernikov, Louis, Bottcher, Hudson, Gennaro, and Williams. The bill excludes law enforcement and city employees from eligibility. The aim is to mobilize the public to help solve hit-and-run cases, many of which remain unsolved, and bring justice for victims.

• File Int 0143-2024, 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 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

A pick-up truck struck the rear of a sedan on Van Wyck Expressway. The impact injured a 43-year-old female passenger in the sedan, causing back injuries and shock. Driver inattention and oversized vehicle contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Van Wyck Expressway at 10:00 AM. A pick-up truck, driven by a licensed male driver from New York, rear-ended a sedan traveling southbound. The sedan had two occupants, including a 43-year-old female passenger seated in the left rear who sustained back injuries and was in shock. The report cites driver errors including 'Oversized Vehicle' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pick-up truck was damaged at the center front end, while the sedan sustained damage at the center back end. The injured passenger was not ejected and had no visible complaints beyond the back injury. The report focuses on the truck driver's failure to maintain attention and the challenges posed by the oversized vehicle, with no contributing factors assigned to the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704889 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV slammed into truck on Vanwyck Expressway. Driver hurt. Distraction behind the wheel. Metal twisted. Arm bruised. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a southbound SUV rear-ended a box truck on Vanwyck Expressway in Queens at 9:00 AM. The SUV driver, a 29-year-old woman, suffered upper arm injuries and bruising. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The SUV was damaged at the center back end; the truck at the center front. The injured driver was conscious, not ejected, and restrained by a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. This crash shows the danger of distraction on busy city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A bus backed unsafely on Grand Central Parkway. It struck an SUV head-on. The SUV driver, a 27-year-old woman, was trapped. She suffered fractures and dislocations. The crash left her conscious but badly hurt.

According to the police report, a bus was backing on Grand Central Parkway at 3:00 AM when it hit a westbound SUV. The SUV's driver, a 27-year-old woman, was trapped and suffered injuries to her entire body, including fractures and dislocations. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Illnes' as contributing factors. The bus struck the SUV at the center front end. No contributing factors related to the victim were listed. This crash highlights the danger of unsafe backing by large vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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 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

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

A Chevy SUV slammed into a 26-year-old man near Northern Boulevard. His head split open. Blood pooled. The driver looked away. The walker fell and did not rise. The SUV rolled on, untouched, as the street bore the mark.

According to the police report, a Chevy SUV traveling near 127-48 Northern Boulevard in Queens struck a 26-year-old male pedestrian. The report states the pedestrian suffered severe head lacerations, with blood pooling on the street. The driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The narrative confirms the driver 'looked away for a moment' before the collision. The SUV showed no damage, but the impact left the pedestrian with significant injuries. No mention is made of pedestrian error or behavior contributing to the crash. The police report centers the cause on the driver's lack of attention, underscoring the persistent danger faced by those on foot when drivers fail to remain alert.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05