No More Waiting in the Dark: Demand Safe Streets Now

Council moved to ban driving with fake or expired plates. Civil fines would hit drivers hard. Sponsors spanned the city. The bill died at session’s end. Streets remain exposed to untraceable cars and reckless drivers.

Int 0987-2023 was introduced in the New York City Council on April 11, 2023, and referred to the Committee on Public Safety. The bill aimed to prohibit operating a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates, including temporary ones. The matter title 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.' Civil penalties ranged from $300 to $1,000, with a 10-day cure period for expired plates. The bill was sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over thirty council members, including Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Yeger, Menin, and others, as well as the Brooklyn and Bronx Borough Presidents. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not become law. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• File Int 0987-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

The Council called for Albany to pass Sammy’s Law, letting New York City set lower speed limits. The resolution also urged a crash victims bill of rights and stronger street safety laws. Lawmakers want fewer deaths. The bill stalled. Danger remains.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed at session’s end, came from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2023, and pushed by Council Member Shahana K. Hanif as primary sponsor, with Jennifer Gutiérrez and over twenty others co-sponsoring. The resolution urged the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law'), which would let New York City set lower speed limits, and A.1901, a crash victims bill of rights. The matter title reads: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422, also known as ‘Sammy’s Law,’ ... and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights, as well as the other bills of the package known as the SAFE Streets Act.' The SAFE Streets Act package also includes safe passing for cyclists and complete street design mandates. The Council’s action highlights the city’s ongoing fight against reckless driving and the urgent need for stronger protections for people on foot, on bikes, and in cars.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

Council filed a bill to force a city study on truck and delivery traffic from last mile warehouses. The bill targets congestion, collisions, and harm to neighborhoods. It demands hard numbers on vehicle flow, street damage, and danger to people outside cars.

Int 0923-2023 was introduced on February 16, 2023, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Alexa Avilés, with over thirty co-sponsors, sought a city study on the impact of truck and delivery traffic from last mile facilities. The official summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to conducting a study of the impact that truck and delivery traffic generated by last mile facilities have on local communities and infrastructure.' The bill required the Department of Transportation to report on delivery vehicle volumes, parking, congestion, collisions, and pedestrian injuries near these hubs. It called for identifying the most affected streets and estimating the costs and possible fixes. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, without passage.

• File Int 0923-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-02-16

Council bill Int 0883-2023 sought to double fines for e-bike and e-scooter violations. It aimed to restore impoundment powers and repeal recent legal protections. The measure targeted riders, not drivers. The bill died at session’s end. Vulnerable users remain exposed.

Int 0883-2023 was introduced in the City Council on January 19, 2023, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill proposed to amend the administrative code by expanding the definition of 'motorized scooter' to include e-bikes and e-scooters, raising civil penalties for violations from $250 to $500, and restoring impoundment authority. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the operation of motorized scooters, and to repeal subdivision e of section 19-176.2 of such code, relating to operators of electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist.' Council Members Althea V. Stevens (primary sponsor), Robert F. Holden, Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Vickie Paladino, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Kalman Yeger, and James F. Gennaro sponsored the bill. The bill was filed at the end of the session on December 31, 2023, and did not advance. No safety analyst assessment was provided. The bill’s focus was on enforcement and penalties, not on systemic danger from cars.

• File Int 0883-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-01-19

A diesel truck tore into stopped traffic on the Cross Bronx. Metal twisted. Fire raged. A 49-year-old woman, trapped and burned, died behind the wheel of her SUV. Two tractor-trailers and her vehicle lay shattered in the night.

A diesel tractor-trailer struck stopped traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway, demolishing an SUV and two trucks. According to the police report, 'A diesel truck plowed into stopped traffic. A 49-year-old woman, burned and partially ejected, died behind the wheel of her SUV.' The woman was killed, suffering severe burns and partial ejection. Both trucks and the SUV were destroyed. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The data shows the SUV was stopped in traffic when hit. No helmet or signal issues are mentioned. The crash left one dead and wreckage scattered across the expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4585761, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi veered on Sedgwick Avenue. The driver lost consciousness. Metal screamed. Six cars collided. Glass shattered. One man bled, limp behind the wheel. Passengers and drivers hurt. Sirens cut the silence. The Bronx street stood still, then chaos followed.

On Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, a taxi driver lost consciousness and veered, striking six vehicles. According to the police report, 'A taxi veered. The driver, 29, lost consciousness. Six cars struck. Metal tore. One man lay bleeding, limp at the wheel.' Multiple people were injured, including the unconscious taxi driver who suffered severe bleeding, and a 46-year-old driver with injuries to her entire body. Passengers and other drivers sustained unspecified injuries. The police report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as the contributing factor. This sudden medical event led to a chain reaction, damaging parked and moving vehicles. The crash left the street littered with glass and twisted metal. No pedestrians were reported among the injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4589470, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A BMW SUV turned left too fast on West Burnside Avenue. The bumper hit a 34-year-old woman crossing with the light. Her hip broke. Blood soaked her leg. She stayed awake. The driver had New Jersey plates.

A BMW SUV, registered in New Jersey, made a left turn at West Burnside Avenue and Davidson Avenue in the Bronx. The vehicle struck a 34-year-old woman who was crossing the street with the signal. According to the police report, 'A BMW SUV turned left too fast. The bumper struck a 34-year-old woman crossing with the light. Her hip broke. Blood soaked her leg. She stayed awake.' The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The woman suffered a broken hip and severe lacerations but remained conscious at the scene. The data shows the driver’s actions—unsafe speed and aggression—directly led to the crash and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4578843, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

The Council passed Int 0291-2022, forcing city agencies to map, plan, and report on greenways. The law demands annual updates and public engagement. It aims to carve out safe, car-free corridors for walkers and cyclists. The mayor returned it unsigned.

Int 0291-2022, now Local Law 115 of 2022, was enacted by the City Council on November 27, 2022. The bill came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, first introduced April 28, 2022. The law's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a citywide greenway plan.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers sponsored the bill, joined by dozens of co-sponsors including Rivera, Hudson, and others. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor on October 27, 2022. The law orders the Department of Transportation and Parks to identify, map, and report on greenways, and to consult with community boards. Proposals for new greenway segments or repairs must be presented to affected communities within 60 days. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law. The measure compels the city to plan and maintain safe routes for non-drivers, with regular public reporting and accountability.

• File Int 0291-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-10-27

A Honda sedan hit three men on West 225th Street. One lay bleeding, head split open. Two more fell, legs broken. The car’s bumper crumpled. No crosswalk. No warning. The street swallowed their cries. The driver kept going straight.

Three pedestrians were struck by a 2012 Honda sedan on West 225th Street. According to the police report, a 45-year-old man suffered a severe head injury and lay unconscious, blood pooling beneath him. Two other men, ages 23 and 33, sustained fractures to their legs. The sedan’s left front bumper took the impact. The crash occurred away from an intersection, with no crosswalk present. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No mention of helmet use or signaling appears in the report. The violence of the crash left three men injured, the street marked by blood and broken bodies.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4572697, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorscooter crashed into a turning sedan on Bailey Avenue. A four-year-old boy, riding on a lap, was thrown to the pavement and died from head wounds. Both drivers were unlicensed. Driver inexperience and improper turning led to tragedy.

A deadly crash unfolded on Bailey Avenue near West 193rd Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, a motorscooter slammed into a sedan that was making a left turn. A four-year-old boy, riding on a lap, was ejected and died at the scene from head injuries. The motorscooter driver, age 24, was also ejected and injured. Both drivers were unlicensed. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' is also cited for those involved. The crash highlights systemic danger when unlicensed drivers and improper maneuvers intersect on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555472, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council moved to put NYCHA sidewalks first in line for repairs. Seniors get top priority. Non-NYCHA emergencies still jump the queue. The bill died at session’s end. Broken walks remain. Vulnerable tenants wait. Streets stay rough. Danger lingers.

Int 0604-2022 was introduced on August 11, 2022, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill aimed to 'establish priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York City Housing Authority,' giving first priority to senior-only NYCHA buildings, then to other NYCHA sites. Emergencies at non-NYCHA properties could override this order, with required notification to local officials. The bill required DOT to report on completed and pending NYCHA sidewalk repairs by June 30, 2023. Council Member Alexa Avilés sponsored the bill, joined by Abreu, Brooks-Powers, Restler, Hanif, Won, Nurse, Gutiérrez, and Sanchez. The measure was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, without enactment. Sidewalk hazards at NYCHA developments persist, leaving vulnerable residents exposed.

• File Int 0604-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-08-11

Council filed a bill to raise fines for illegal ATV and dirt bike use. First offenses jump to $750. Repeat violations hit $1,500. Lawmakers say the crackdown targets reckless riders. The bill died at session’s end. Streets remain exposed.

Int 0591-2022, introduced July 14, 2022, in the Committee on Public Safety, aimed to increase fines for unlawful use of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes in New York City. The bill summary reads: '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.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa led as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca, Louis, Brewer, Joseph, Yeger, Dinowitz, and Sanchez. The measure would have raised first-offense fines to $750 and subsequent offenses to $1,500. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not advance. No safety analyst assessment was provided. The city’s most vulnerable—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—remain at risk from illegal vehicle use.

• File Int 0591-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-07-14

Council bill Int 0596-2022 would force DOT to repair broken curbs when streets get resurfaced. Curbs shape the border between sidewalk and street. Broken curbs trip walkers, let cars mount sidewalks, and endanger the frail. The bill died in committee.

Int 0596-2022 was introduced on July 14, 2022, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill required the Department of Transportation to repair any curb deemed a safety hazard during street resurfacing. The matter summary reads: 'requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers sponsored the bill, joined by Schulman, Brewer, Dinowitz, Krishnan, Narcisse, Menin, Yeger, Avilés, Nurse, Gutiérrez, Riley, Brannan, Sanchez, and Louis. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not advance. Broken curbs are a daily threat to pedestrians, especially the elderly and disabled. The bill would have forced the city to address these hazards as part of routine work, but the effort stalled.

• File Int 0596-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-07-14

An Audi turned left on West 195th. A cyclist rode straight. Metal hit flesh. The rider flew, hit pavement, bled. He lay semiconscious, torn open. The SUV’s front end crumpled. The street fell silent.

A crash on West 195th Street involved an Audi SUV making a left turn and a cyclist riding straight. The cyclist, a 27-year-old man, was struck head-on and suffered severe lacerations across his body. According to the police report, 'An Audi turned left. A cyclist rode straight. Metal struck him head-on. He flew, hit pavement, bled from everywhere. Semiconscious, torn open. The SUV’s front crumpled. The street went still.' The cyclist was partially ejected and left semiconscious. Both the cyclist and the SUV’s front end took the full force of impact. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were formally cited in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542201, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 19-year-old crossed East 175th. A Toyota hit him. The right front bumper smashed his leg. He stayed awake as doctors took part of it. The car rolled on, unmarked. The street stayed quiet. The wound did not.

A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck by a westbound Toyota sedan while crossing East 175th Street near Walton Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, 'A 19-year-old crossing the road was struck by a westbound Toyota. The right front bumper crushed his leg. He stayed awake. Doctors took part of it. The car bore no mark.' The crash left the pedestrian with a severe lower leg injury, resulting in amputation. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk when struck. The vehicle sustained no visible damage. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541211, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A BMW tore south on Jerome Avenue. Five inside. The driver lost focus. Metal screamed. Blood on the seats. A young woman in the back, torn and bleeding. Another passenger’s leg shattered. The night echoed with pain and sirens.

A BMW sedan crashed near West 177th Street on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. Five people were inside. According to the police report, the driver was distracted and drove aggressively. The front end of the car was crushed. A 25-year-old woman in the left rear seat suffered severe lacerations to her entire body. A 22-year-old front passenger sustained a fractured and dislocated leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling south, changing lanes before impact. No other vehicles were involved. The police report describes blood on the seats and screams in the dark.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541195, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council pushed for bold school safety signs. Painted warnings and overhead alerts near every school entrance. The bill died in committee. Streets stay the same. Children still cross in danger. Drivers keep rolling through.

Int 0555-2022 was introduced on June 16, 2022, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill required the Department of Transportation to install painted and overhead safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The matter summary reads: 'to alert drivers to the presence of school-aged children and pedestrians.' Council Member Tiffany Cabán led as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Marte, Yeger, Sanchez, Won, Restler, Joseph, Gutiérrez, Ung, Louis, Abreu, and Hanif. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure stalled. No new protections for kids on city streets.

• File Int 0555-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-06-16

Council filed a bill to force big buildings to cut truck chaos. Owners would need plans to shrink deliveries, use off-peak hours, and keep trucks off the street. The bill aimed to create a city office to enforce these rules. Session ended. No law.

Int 0556-2022 was introduced in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 16, 2022. The bill required owners of commercial buildings over 500,000 square feet to submit and carry out delivery and servicing plans. The matter summary reads: 'creating an office of sustainable delivery systems and requiring large generator of truck traffic buildings to produce and implement a delivery and servicing plan.' Council Member Gale A. Brewer sponsored the bill, joined by Rivera, Gutiérrez, Restler, Won, Sanchez, and Cabán. The bill called for on-site loading, delivery reservations, and off-peak scheduling to cut truck traffic and street loading. It would have created a new city office to oversee compliance and penalize violators. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0556-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-06-16

Two bikes met head-on. Steel screamed. A man lay semiconscious, head bleeding, limbs crushed. Both riders distracted. No helmet listed. The street stayed silent. Blood on the pavement. Danger in the air.

Two riders collided head-on on Jerome Avenue. One, a 52-year-old man, suffered severe head and crush injuries. According to the police report, both riders were distracted at the moment of impact. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factor for both vehicles. No helmet use was recorded for the injured man, but this is noted only after the driver errors. The crash left the street quiet, marked by blood and twisted metal. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534631, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilians can report violators. Each offense draws a $175 fine. The city pays whistleblowers a cut. The bill stalled. Streets stay dangerous.

Int 0501-2022 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 2, 2022. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints to the department of transportation for hazardous obstruction violations,' aimed to create a new civil penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 1,320 feet of a school. The penalty: $175 per violation, enforced through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. Civilians, except city employees, could file complaints and receive 25% of collected fines. The Department of Transportation would support this with a phased-in reporting program and annual public reports. Council Member Carlina Rivera led as primary sponsor, joined by over two dozen co-sponsors. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not become law. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0501-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-06-02