No More Bodies in the Road: Demand Safety, Not Excuses

Council bill Int 1138-2024 would ban parking and standing within 20 feet of crosswalks. It forces the city to install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections each year. The bill sits in committee. Sponsors include Bottcher, Won, and the Public Advocate.

Int 1138-2024, introduced December 5, 2024, is under review by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill is 'Laid Over in Committee.' Its title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.' Council Member Erik D. Bottcher is the primary sponsor, joined by Julie Won, Jumaane Williams, and others. The bill prohibits standing or parking within 20 feet of crosswalks and mandates the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections per year. The law also requires citywide outreach and reporting. This measure aims to keep sightlines clear at crossings, a known danger zone for people on foot and bike. The bill has not yet received a vote.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

A moped sped southwest on W 225 St, flipped at Broadway. An 18-year-old passenger was ejected, his leg caught fire. He wore a helmet and remained conscious. The crash was caused by unsafe speed, leaving the passenger severely burned and the vehicle overturned.

According to the police report, a moped traveling southwest on W 225 St at Broadway overturned after moving at 'unsafe speed.' The report states, 'A moped tore southwest, too fast. It flipped. An 18-year-old passenger flew off. His leg caught fire.' The passenger, an 18-year-old, suffered severe burns to his lower leg and foot and was ejected from the vehicle. He was conscious at the scene and wore a helmet, as noted in the report. The driver, a 16-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained bruises to his knee and lower leg. The police report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The crash left the moped overturned and the passenger injured, underscoring the deadly consequences of driver recklessness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774092, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council passed a law forcing DOT to show traffic device and speed reducer requests on its website. Now, every case number, status, and decision must be public. The move cracks open city data, exposing delays and denials that shape street danger.

Int 0468-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The Council passed it on October 23, 2024; it became law November 22, 2024, as Local Law 113. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the department of transportation posting information on traffic-control device and speed reducer requests on its website.” Council Member Kalman Yeger led as primary sponsor, joined by dozens of co-sponsors. The law orders DOT to publish every request for traffic signals and speed humps—case number, subject, status, resolution, reason for approval or denial, and timeline if approved. The public can now track what the city does, or fails to do, when streets need taming. This transparency exposes the machinery behind every crosswalk, signal, and speed bump—vital for anyone who walks, bikes, or rides in New York.

• File Int 0468-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-10-23

Council Member De La Rosa pushes a bill to cut taxi driver injury insurance from $200,000 to $50,000. Experts warn this dumps crash costs on victims. Pedestrians and cyclists could face huge bills. The bill sits with the TLC, debate fierce.

On October 9, 2024, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa introduced a bill to lower the minimum personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for yellow cab, livery, and app-based drivers from $200,000 to $50,000. The bill, now under review by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), has four sponsors. The measure’s summary reads: lowering PIP would match the statewide standard, but critics argue it leaves crash victims exposed. De La Rosa claims high premiums burden drivers, saying, 'The interest for me in carrying this bill comes from the plight of these drivers.' Experts like Bruce Schaller and Sam Schwartz warn $50,000 is far too little for New York’s high crash costs, especially for pedestrians and cyclists who lack their own insurance. Former TLC commissioner Matt Daus urges caution, noting the risk of catastrophic impacts on victims. The bill’s fate remains undecided as debate continues.

• Council Bill Would Shift Taxi Driver Crash Costs onto Victims: Experts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-09

Council passed a law letting pedestrians cross streets anywhere, at any time. Jaywalking is now legal. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks or against signals. The law shifts blame from walkers to drivers. Streets belong to people again.

Int 0346-2024, now Local Law 98 of 2024, was enacted by the City Council on October 26, 2024, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way," lets pedestrians cross roadways at any point, even against traffic signals. It erases penalties for so-called jaywalking. Sponsors include Tiffany Cabán (primary), Lincoln Restler, Crystal Hudson, Shahana K. Hanif, Julie Won, Mercedes Narcisse, Darlene Mealy, Erik D. Bottcher, and Farah N. Louis. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor. The law requires the Department of Transportation to educate all road users about these new rights. By ending jaywalking enforcement, the city removes a tool often used to blame victims and target the vulnerable. The law marks a shift: streets are for people, not just cars.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

A BMW sedan struck a man crossing 10th Avenue with the signal. The car tore away his arm. He stayed conscious. The driver failed to see him. The street did not stop. Blood marked the intersection in Manhattan.

A 34-year-old man crossing 10th Avenue at West 207th Street in Manhattan was struck by a BMW sedan, according to the police report. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle hit him, resulting in a traumatic amputation of his arm. The report states the driver was inattentive and distracted, and also cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The narrative confirms the driver 'didn’t see him.' The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision. The police report makes no mention of any pedestrian error or unsafe behavior, emphasizing instead the role of driver inattention and speed. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers fail to yield and remain alert at intersections, especially when pedestrians have the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756627, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Washington Bridge now has bus and protected bike lanes. Jersey barriers shield cyclists. Pedestrians get their own path. Councilmember De La Rosa calls old bridge an accident waiting to happen. Upgrades separate people from cars. Danger drops. City promises more safety fixes.

On September 16, 2024, the Washington Bridge connecting Manhattan and the Bronx received major upgrades: a dedicated bus lane and a two-way protected bike lane. The project, supported by Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa (District 10), was announced by the NYC Department of Transportation. The matter summary states, 'The improvements... aim to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists and provide faster bus service.' De La Rosa, who represents the area, said, 'I've never been so afraid to walk a bridge on foot... it was an accident waiting to happen.' The overhaul separates cyclists and pedestrians from cars with jersey barriers and fences, and adds protected pedestrian paths. Automated cameras will enforce the bus lane. The DOT plans further safety measures, including a leading pedestrian interval at crossings. These changes target long-standing dangers for vulnerable road users on the bridge.

• Washington Bridge between Manhattan and Bronx gets bus and protected bike lanes, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-16

The council passed a law forcing DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Protected lanes get tracked. The city must show where riders go and where danger lurks. Data goes public. Riders get seen.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity,' was introduced April 11, 2024. It passed committee and full council votes on August 15, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88 of 2024. Council Members Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary sponsor), Amanda Farías, Lynn C. Schulman, Crystal Hudson, Lincoln Restler, and others backed the measure. The law compels DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, including counts from automated sensors. DOT must also describe safety projects and analyze crash and usage data to guide improvements. This law forces transparency. It puts the movement and safety of vulnerable riders on record.

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

Two motorcycles northbound on Saint Nicholas. The rear machine too close, slamming the lead. A 33-year-old, unlicensed, helmetless, thrown down. His leg split, blood pooling on West 176th. Metal, flesh, and asphalt tangled in the dusk.

According to the police report, two motorcycles were traveling northbound at West 176th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. The rear motorcycle, operated by a 33-year-old man, was 'following too closely' and struck the motorcycle ahead. The report states the rear rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet. The collision left him with severe lacerations to his lower leg, described as his leg 'split open' and blood pooling at the scene. Both motorcycles were damaged at the center front and back ends, consistent with a rear-end impact. The police report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the rear rider. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers fail to maintain safe distance and speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747006, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep struck a motorcycle on Harlem River Drive. The rider flew, arm shattered, skin burned on the pavement. The bike overturned. A sedan’s bumper bore the bruise. Speed carved the scene. Metal, flesh, and asphalt collided in daylight.

According to the police report, a Jeep traveling south on Harlem River Drive collided with a motorcycle, sending its 50-year-old rider flying onto the pavement. The report states, 'A Jeep slammed into a motorcycle, hurling its 50-year-old rider onto the hot pavement. His arm shattered. His skin burned. The bike overturned.' The motorcyclist suffered severe burns and a broken upper arm. The crash also involved a sedan, which sustained damage to its rear bumper. The police report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor, underscoring the role of excessive speed in the collision. The motorcyclist was ejected and injured, but the report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact left a vivid mark of danger and violence on Harlem River Drive.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743798, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A young man on a KTM motorcycle crashed into two parked SUVs on Fort George Avenue. Ejected, he suffered fatal head trauma. Blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The police report cites driver inexperience. He died there, alone, on the summer night.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old man riding a KTM motorcycle northbound on Fort George Avenue near Audubon Avenue struck two parked SUVs. The collision occurred at 21:44. The report states the rider was ejected on impact and suffered severe head trauma, with blood found on the pavement. He died at the scene. The police report explicitly lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor in the crash. The narrative notes the rider was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the primary driver error. The parked SUVs were unoccupied and stationary at the time of the collision. The report provides no evidence of any contributing factors beyond those attributed to the motorcycle operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743277, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A GMC SUV struck a 46-year-old woman on Wadsworth Avenue before dawn. Blood ran from her head. She stayed conscious. The unlicensed driver fled south. The car showed no damage. The street stood silent, danger unbroken.

According to the police report, a 2023 GMC SUV traveling south on Wadsworth Avenue at 2:40 a.m. struck a 46-year-old woman in the roadway. The impact caused severe bleeding from her head, though she remained conscious at the scene. The report notes that the driver was unlicensed and fled south after the collision, leaving the vehicle undamaged. Police cite 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and is listed as performing 'Other Actions in Roadway,' with 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' also recorded as a contributing factor, but only after the primary driver error. The event underscores the systemic danger posed by unlicensed and inexperienced drivers operating large vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738735, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council calls for five mile per hour speed cap on Open Streets. The move aims to slow cars where people walk, bike, and gather. Resolution passes. Streets may breathe easier. The city pushes Albany to let it set its own pace.

Resolution 0079-2024, adopted June 6, 2024 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.315/A.1416. The measure would let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets in the Open Streets program. The matter title reads: 'authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The committee approved the resolution with strong support. The bill targets streets where pedestrians and cyclists mix with traffic. Lower speeds mean fewer crashes and less severe injuries. The council’s action puts pressure on Albany to give the city the power to protect people where they are most exposed.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

A man on an e-bike rode east on West 181st Street and collided with the rear of a parked diesel truck. His chest was crushed. He wore a helmet. There was no movement, only silence in the dark.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old man riding an e-bike eastbound on West 181st Street struck the right rear bumper of a parked diesel tractor truck. The report states the crash occurred in darkness and notes the cyclist was wearing a helmet. The narrative describes the impact as crushing the rider's chest and causing internal bleeding, with no skid marks at the scene. The e-bike's front end was damaged. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The parked truck, registered in Indiana, was unoccupied at the time. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor beyond noting helmet use after listing driver error. The collision left the cyclist motionless and silent, underscoring the lethal consequences of distraction and systemic street danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729767, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A cyclist’s arm split open against the side of a stopped taxi at Fort Washington and 161st. Blood marked the pavement. The helmeted rider stayed awake. The taxi sat untouched. The street fell silent, holding the aftermath in its grip.

A cyclist suffered severe lacerations to his arm after striking the side of a stopped taxi at Fort Washington Avenue and 161st Street in Manhattan, according to the police report. The incident occurred at 10:12 a.m. The report states, 'A cyclist struck the side of a stopped taxi. His arm split open. Blood on pavement. He wore a helmet. He stayed awake. The taxi sat untouched.' The taxi was stopped in traffic and sustained no damage, while the cyclist’s bike impacted the right side doors of the vehicle. The police report lists no specific contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors. The only victim behavior noted is helmet use, which is mentioned after the description of the crash. The focus remains on the physical impact and aftermath, with the police narrative emphasizing the silence and gravity that followed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729960, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill Int 0856-2024 would hike fines for illegal ATV and dirt bike use. First offense: $375 to $750. Repeat: $750 to $1,500. The bill sits in the Public Safety Committee. Lawmakers say it targets reckless riders who endanger city streets.

Int 0856-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced April 18, 2024. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to increasing the fines for the unlawful use of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes.' Prime sponsor: Carmen N. De La Rosa. Co-sponsors: Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, Farías. The bill would raise fines for operating ATVs and dirt bikes illegally—$375 to $750 for a first offense, $750 to $1,500 for repeat offenses. Council referred the bill to committee on April 18. Lawmakers frame the measure as a crackdown on vehicles that threaten pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to curb dangerous street behavior.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council pushes DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Hours and days must be public, online and on the street. Riders and walkers get clarity. No more guessing. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait for answers.

Int 0647-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to post signs on every block with bus lane restrictions, showing exact hours and days. DOT must also keep this information updated online. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions.' Council Members Althea V. Stevens (primary sponsor), Kevin C. Riley, Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, and Yusef Salaam co-sponsored. The bill aims to end confusion for all street users. Clear rules mean fewer surprises. The measure awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council moves to outlaw driving with fake or expired plates. The bill sets fines and a short grace period for expired tags. Lawmakers say this targets scofflaws who dodge accountability. The measure now sits with the Public Safety Committee.

Int 0177-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, 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 prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill makes it unlawful to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day window to fix the issue. The bill aims to close loopholes that let reckless drivers evade detection and accountability. It awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders speed humps on streets by parks over one acre. DOT must install unless safety or guidelines say no. Seventeen council members back the move. The bill sits in committee. Streets by parks may soon slow cars.

Int 0262-2024 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on February 28, 2024. The bill states: "requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre." Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by seventeen co-sponsors including Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Marte, and others. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps on qualifying streets unless the commissioner finds it unsafe or inconsistent with DOT guidelines. The bill remains in committee. If passed, it would take effect 180 days after becoming law. The measure aims to slow traffic near parks, where walkers and children cross.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Steel met steel on 10th Avenue. A left turn ran the light. Fire tore through the wreck. In the front seat, a young woman died, burned and broken. The street glowed with flame and loss.

A deadly crash unfolded at 10th Avenue and West 213th Street in Manhattan. Two vehicles collided after one made a left turn and disregarded a traffic signal. According to the police report, 'A left turn ignored the signal. Steel struck steel. Fire bloomed.' The front passenger, a 21-year-old woman, suffered fatal burns and died at the scene. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors are noted for the drivers. The victim was a passenger and played no role in the crash. The police report does not specify if safety equipment was used.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685068, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15