Sidewalks Are Not Safe—And Your Silence Kills

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

A sedan changing lanes struck another sedan and a motorcycle on Van Wyck Expressway. The 52-year-old driver was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. The crash involved improper lane usage. Both vehicles had front-end damage.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Van Wyck Expressway involving two sedans and a motorcycle. The 52-year-old male driver of one sedan was ejected and sustained a fractured elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. The sedan changing lanes struck the rear left bumper of another sedan traveling straight ahead, and both vehicles also collided with a motorcycle. The driver was not using any safety equipment. The crash caused center front-end damage to the sedans and motorcycle. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4531139 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Albany stalls on S5602. The mayor stays quiet. Speed cameras hang in the balance. Some senators push for 24/7 enforcement. Others hedge. Council members want camera cash for roads. The clock runs out. Streets stay dangerous. Lives hang on the vote.

Senate bill S5602, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would expand New York City’s speed camera program to 24/7 operation. The legislative session nears its end with no clear action. State Sen. Jabari Brisport supports the bill, calling for round-the-clock enforcement. Sen. John Liu backs maintaining cameras but won’t commit to S5602. Some City Council members demand that camera revenue fund local road improvements. Assembly Member Dick Gottfried doubts the Council will send the required home rule message in time, while Assembly Member William Magnarelli promises to advance the bill if they do. Mayor Adams’ team claims safety was discussed in Albany, but the mayor himself stayed silent. The bill faces opposition over increased penalties and insurance notifications. Without action, the city’s speed cameras—and the safety of its streets—are at risk.

• ALBANY NOTEBOOK: Mayor Treks Upstate, But Speed Cameras are Still at Risk of Expiring, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-18

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

City Hall fumbled in Albany. Traffic camera renewal hangs by a thread. Lawmakers cite weak outreach. Speed and red light cameras may go dark. Vulnerable New Yorkers face rising danger. The mayor’s team scrambles, but time runs out.

On May 10, 2022, critics blasted Mayor Eric Adams’ Albany efforts to secure key NYC priorities, including the renewal and expansion of speed and red light camera programs. The matter, covered in the article 'Critics slam Eric Adams’ Albany efforts on NYC priorities,' highlights City Hall’s inconsistent lobbying as the legislative session neared its end. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez was sent to push for stalled camera legislation, but lawmakers like State Sen. John Liu said the mayor’s direct engagement was lacking. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the coverage, is a key Albany figure. The bill’s fate remains uncertain. If the cameras expire, enforcement near schools vanishes, exposing pedestrians and cyclists to greater risk. The city’s last-minute push may not be enough to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Critics slam Eric Adams’ Albany efforts on NYC priorities, nypost.com, Published 2022-05-10

A 23-year-old male driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries after his sedan rear-ended another vehicle on Grand Central Parkway. The crash occurred as the driver was inattentive and following too closely. The vehicle was demolished in the impact.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male driver was injured when his 2017 Infiniti sedan collided with the rear of another vehicle while traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway. The driver was conscious but suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan striking the center back end of the other vehicle. The sedan was demolished in the crash. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other persons were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4525505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A Ford sedan struck a Ford pick-up truck from behind on Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan driver, a 21-year-old man, suffered neck abrasions. Both vehicles were traveling south. The crash resulted from driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male driver in a 2012 Ford sedan collided with the rear of a 2000 Ford pick-up truck on Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan driver sustained neck abrasions but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles were traveling straight south when the impact occurred at the center back end of the truck and the center front end of the sedan. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4523034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A pick-up truck veered on Van Wyck Expressway. Its blocked view led to a crash with two sedans. Five people suffered whiplash and bruises. Unsafe lane change. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck changed lanes on Van Wyck Expressway with its view obstructed. The truck struck two sedans traveling south. Five occupants were injured: drivers and passengers suffered whiplash, head, and arm injuries. The report lists "View Obstructed/Limited" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" as contributing factors by the truck driver. All occupants were conscious and restrained. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash damaged the truck’s front end and the sedans’ rear quarters.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4522389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 3-year-old passenger suffered neck injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on Van Wyck Expressway. The SUV struck the sedan from behind. Driver distraction was cited as a factor. The child was restrained but suffered whiplash and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Van Wyck Expressway involving a 2015 SUV and multiple sedans all traveling south. The SUV struck the rear of a sedan, causing injuries to a 3-year-old passenger in the right rear seat. The child suffered neck injuries described as whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. Passenger distraction was also noted. The SUV sustained front-end damage, and the sedan had rear-end damage. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4520629 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A Carry All struck a sedan’s right rear bumper on Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan’s front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. Driver distraction caused the crash. Both vehicles traveled south when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, a Carry All changing lanes rear-ended a sedan going straight ahead on Van Wyck Expressway. The impact hit the sedan’s right rear bumper and the Carry All’s left front bumper. The sedan’s front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and shock. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling south. The Carry All driver, also licensed, was changing lanes when the collision occurred. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4518455 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 17-year-old driver flipped his SUV on Van Wyck Expressway. Neck injuries followed. Police cite reaction to another vehicle. The crash left the driver conscious, strapped in, and hurt.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male driving a 2019 Jeep SUV overturned while changing lanes on the Van Wyck Expressway. The driver, the only person injured, suffered neck injuries and remained conscious. Police list 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. The SUV overturned, causing significant damage. No other driver errors or victim factors are noted in the report. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514970 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Queens residents and officials clashed over 14 transit plans for LaGuardia. Subway, bus, light rail, and ferry all on the table. Council Member Larinda Hooks backed the AirTrain and ferry. No decision. The city waits. Danger and delay remain.

"The original plan is still the best plan. If you look at all the options, it’s the only one that doesn’t go near anybody’s house. It doesn’t go into anyone’s community. Won’t be issues with taking away parking spots, taking away a lane so there’s the most traffic. It makes the most sense for homeowners or renters or people who just live in the community." -- Larinda Hooks

On March 27, 2022, a public consultation in Queens reviewed 14 alternatives for LaGuardia Airport transit access. The session followed Governor Hochul’s cancellation of the Willets Point AirTrain. The event, covered by the media and led by a panel including Janette Sadik-Khan, drew strong opinions. The matter summary: 'In Astoria, Queens, 14 possible transit options for connecting to LaGuardia Airport were presented at a public comment session.' Council Member Larinda Hooks (District 35) voiced support for the original AirTrain, ferry service, and other mass transit options, but opposed removing parking or traffic lanes. Hooks said, 'The original plan is still the best plan... It doesn’t go near anybody’s house.' The process continues. No final plan. Vulnerable road users still face risk as traffic and confusion persist.

• In Queens, everything is on the table for Hochul’s LaGuardia connection, gothamist.com, Published 2022-03-27

A 67-year-old man driving a sedan southbound on Van Wyck Expressway was injured. The vehicle struck an unknown object front-center. The driver was unconscious but not ejected. No visible complaints were reported. Contributing factors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Van Wyck Expressway. He was driving a 2009 Toyota sedan southbound, going straight ahead when the vehicle sustained center front end damage. The driver was unconscious but remained inside the vehicle, secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The driver suffered injuries of unknown severity but was not ejected from the vehicle. No other persons or pedestrians were involved or injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512991 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A box truck struck an SUV from behind on Van Wyck Expressway. Two female passengers in the SUV suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained. The crash was caused by the truck following too closely, damaging front and rear ends.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway rear-ended a northbound SUV. The impact damaged the center front end of the truck and the center back end of the SUV. Two female passengers in the SUV, ages 25 and 31, were injured with head trauma and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The injured were passengers, not drivers, and were not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512914 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02