No More Names on Asphalt: Demand Action Before the Next Death

Council calls on maritime importers to shift last-mile deliveries from trucks to boats. Streets choke on diesel rigs. Noise, fumes, danger follow. Waterways offer relief. The resolution sits in committee. Sponsors demand action. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait.

Res 0053-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The resolution urges 'top maritime importers to New York City ports to commit to making the City’s streets greener by reducing truck traffic and using marine vessels for last mile deliveries throughout the boroughs.' Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, Hudson, Salaam, Cabán, Ayala, Restler, Hanif, Won, Brooks-Powers, Nurse, Public Advocate Williams, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The measure responds to freight growth and truck congestion, which fuel pollution and endanger street users. The Council’s call aims to clear trucks from city streets, cut emissions, and make roads safer for everyone outside a car.

• File Res 0053-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for state action on lower speed limits, crash victims’ rights, and safer street design. The resolution pushes Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits and demands stronger protections for people hurt or killed by cars.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law'), A.1901 (Crash Victims Bill of Rights), and the full SAFE Streets Act package. 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,’ in relation to allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, 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.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, Ossé, Avilés, Sanchez, Krishnan, Rivera, Cabán, Brewer, Abreu, Marte, Brannan, Schulman, Won, Feliz, Bottcher, Nurse, Hudson, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The SAFE Streets Act targets reckless driving, demands safer street design, and gives crash victims more rights. The resolution’s focus is clear: fewer deaths, more justice, safer streets for all.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council members push Albany to let cyclists treat stop signs as yields, red lights as stops. The resolution aims to cut conflict, keep riders moving, and match laws in safer cities. Pedestrian right-of-way stays untouched. The bill sits in committee.

Resolution 0185-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, calls on the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2643/A.3986. The measure, introduced February 28, 2024, urges that 'bicyclists treat stop signs as yield signs, and red lights as stop signs.' Council Members Julie Won (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, Tiffany Cabán, and the Brooklyn Borough President (by request) back the move. The resolution highlights that similar laws in other states have improved safety for all road users. It stresses that pedestrian rights remain unchanged—cyclists must still yield. The bill reflects a shift toward laws that recognize the realities of cycling and aim to reduce deadly car-bike conflicts.

• File Res 0185-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill Int 0320-2024 would bar surge pricing in Citi Bike. No more price hikes when demand spikes. The bill aims to keep bike share accessible. It now sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Restler leads. Hudson, Hanif, Moya back him.

Int 0320-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill's title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting dynamic pricing under the city’s bike share program." Council Member Lincoln Restler is the primary sponsor, joined by Crystal Hudson, Shahana K. Hanif, and Francisco P. Moya. Their action: sponsorship and referral to committee. The bill would stop the Department of Transportation from allowing dynamic pricing—defined as any fee increase based on demand—in the Citi Bike program. The goal: keep bike share affordable and predictable for all riders, especially those who rely on it most.

• File Int 0320-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to crack down on sidewalk parking in industrial zones. Bill orders higher fines for violators. DOT must study and install bollards to block cars. Streets could clear for walkers, wheelchairs, and strollers. No more steel on the sidewalk.

Int 0106-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to enhancing penalties for sidewalk parking and installing bollards in M1 zoning districts,' targets commercial, manufacturing, and industrial establishments that park vehicles on sidewalks. Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary sponsor), Alexa Avilés, and Shahana K. Hanif back the measure. The Department of Transportation must levy stiffer penalties, study bollard installation, and install barriers where needed. DOT must also report findings to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and public. The law aims to keep sidewalks clear for people, not parked cars.

• File Int 0106-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council members push for a new DOT unit to crack down on illegal parking. The bill sits in committee. Streets choke with blocked lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price. The city waits for action.

Bill Int 0264-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of a parking enforcement unit within the department of transportation,' would require DOT to create a dedicated parking enforcement unit. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Marte, Won, Salaam, Farías, Riley, Bottcher, and Hudson. The bill aims to enforce laws and rules on parking violations. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The bill remains under committee review, with no vote or enactment date set.

• File Int 0264-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to create a parking permit enforcement unit. The bill targets misuse of city-issued permits. Sponsors say the new unit will enforce rules long ignored. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. Streets wait for action.

Int 0173-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of a parking permit enforcement unit within the department of transportation.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Louis, Hudson, Joseph, Won, and Bottcher. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to create a unit dedicated to enforcing laws against misuse of city-issued parking permits. The measure was referred to committee on the day of introduction. Lawmakers say the unit will focus on a problem that endangers pedestrians and cyclists by allowing illegal parking and blocked sightlines. No safety analyst has yet assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0173-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill Int 0263-2024 demands the DOT act. It expands what counts as a serious crash. It orders investigations to start within a week, finish in a month. Reports must be detailed. The bill sits in committee. Streets remember every delay.

Int 0263-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of transportation to investigate vehicle collisions,' would force the DOT’s crash investigation unit to broaden its definition of serious crashes. Investigations must begin within one week and wrap up in a month. Reports must dig deeper. Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary sponsor), Rita C. Joseph, Oswald Feliz, Farah N. Louis, Julie Won, Yusef Salaam, Kevin C. Riley, and Chris Banks back the bill. The measure aims to expose the facts behind every crash, not let them fade in silence.

• File Int 0263-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill Int 0336-2024 demands action. NYPD must build a website for crash victims. DOT must create a guide. Families get updates, not silence. The bill sits in committee. Restler and Narcisse sponsor. The city’s deadly streets demand answers.

Int 0336-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to resources for victims of motor vehicle collisions,' pushes for transparency and support. It requires NYPD to launch a website giving crash victims and their families access to investigation updates, summonses, and witness information. The Department of Transportation must create a guide for collision victims, covering police reports and no-fault insurance. Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary sponsor, District 33) and Mercedes Narcisse (co-sponsor, District 46) back the measure. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. It aims to end the information blackout that follows so many deadly crashes.

• File Int 0336-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks. The bill sits in committee. Streets stay dark. Pedestrians wait. The city promises a study. Lawmakers push for light, but action lags. Danger remains while the council debates.

Int 0301-2024, introduced February 28, 2024, sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, status: Laid Over in Committee. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks,' orders the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years—a total of 500. The department must also study their impact compared to unlit signs. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, Won, Narcisse, Hanks, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Hudson, Schulman, and Avilés. The bill was laid over by committee on June 25, 2024. No safety analyst note was provided. Vulnerable road users remain exposed while the city delays action.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders signs to keep bikes, e-bikes, and scooters off sidewalks, park paths, and boardwalks. Fines loom for violators. Restler leads. Committee holds the bill. Streets stay tense. Pedestrians walk wary. The city posts warnings. Enforcement waits.

Int 0235-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, the bill commands the Department of Transportation and Parks to post signs warning cyclists, e-bike, and e-scooter riders: stay off sidewalks, park walkways, and boardwalks, or face fines. The matter title reads, 'A Local Law...notifying operators...of the prohibition against operating such devices on sidewalks, park walkways, and boardwalks, and of related fines and penalties.' Lincoln Restler sponsors, joined by Hudson, Brewer, Hanif, Gennaro, Abreu, Ung, and Schulman. The bill aims to keep vulnerable pedestrians safe by making the rules clear at every crossing and path. No safety analyst has weighed in yet. The measure waits in committee. The city’s warning signs may soon rise.

• File Int 0235-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill Int 0255-2024 demands NYPD track every time officers use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague reports. The city must count each incident. Data will show the toll. Vulnerable New Yorkers deserve the truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety 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 use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle," forces the NYPD to add 'use of a motor vehicle to gain control of a subject' as a specific reporting category in quarterly and annual use of force reports. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets a gap: current NYPD reports do not name motor vehicles as a means of force. This change brings police violence by car into the light, exposing patterns that endanger pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0255-2024, 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

Council bill demands 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year for six years. Streets will change. Barriers will rise. Cyclists will get space. The city moves to shield riders from cars. The pace quickens. Safety, not talk, hits the pavement.

Int 0271-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced on February 28, 2024, the bill orders the Department of Transportation to install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Carlina Rivera, Farah N. Louis, Shahana K. Hanif, Chi A. Ossé, Gale A. Brewer, Tiffany Cabán, Sandy Nurse, Crystal Hudson, Yusef Salaam, Erik D. Bottcher, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Oswald Feliz, Julie Won, and Rita C. Joseph. The bill’s summary states protected lanes 'increase cycling and ensure the safety of New Yorkers.' If passed, the law will force the city to build real protection for people on bikes, not just paint. The measure aims to cut risk for cyclists and push back against deadly streets.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to study charging stations for e-bike delivery workers. The bill forms a task force to weigh cost, location, and fire risk. Delivery riders face battery dangers daily. The city stalls on safe infrastructure. The committee holds the bill.

Int 0194-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law in relation to establishing a task force to study the feasibility of building charging stations for bicycles with electric assist to be used by food delivery workers,' calls for a task force to examine where and how to build charging stations for e-bike couriers. Council Members Restler (primary sponsor), Gutiérrez, Avilés, Won, Cabán, Marte, Hanif, Nurse, Hudson, Brewer, and Farías back the measure. The task force must review costs, possible third-party funding, station locations, and fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. The bill aims to protect delivery workers, who face daily hazards from unsafe charging and lack of city support. No votes have been held. The bill remains in committee.

• File Int 0194-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Brooklyn officials push to evict judges’ cars from Columbus Park. Four designs scrap the parking lot, add green space, playgrounds, and a skatepark. Streets may get bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and bus lanes. No timeline yet. The park could finally belong to people.

On February 28, 2024, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Lincoln Restler, with business leaders, unveiled proposals to remove the judicial parking lot at Columbus Park. The plan, discussed at a community meeting, would replace the lot with public amenities—open greenery, playgrounds, a skatepark, and restrooms. Architects from WXY presented four designs, all eliminating the judges’ parking. The proposal also calls for safer streets: protected bike lanes on Adams Street, expanded sidewalks, narrowed roads, bus lanes, and possible pedestrianization of Johnson Street. Council Member Restler declared, 'Parks should be for people, not for parking.' Residents voiced support, calling the lot a 'vestige of another era.' The officials will gather more public feedback before submitting a formal proposal. No timeline has been set.

• Parking or Parkland? Brooklyn Judges Could Lose their Perk, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-28

A 64-year-old cyclist died at Lorimer and Broadway. A car door flung open. The cyclist fell. A Hyundai ran him over. Students saw it happen. Council Member Lincoln Restler demanded a safety review and a crossing guard. The street remains deadly. Nothing changed.

On February 27, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler responded to a fatal crash in District 33. The incident happened at Lorimer Street and Broadway, Williamsburg. The matter: 'Cyclist run over, killed in Williamsburg in second fatal crash in less than 12 hours.' Restler called for an immediate safety review and a crossing guard for I.S. 318, whose students witnessed the crash. Transportation Alternatives described the intersection as 'filled with slip lanes that encourage speeding and no infrastructure to keep pedestrians or cyclists safe.' Broadway is a Vision Zero Priority Corridor with a long record of serious injuries. Restler’s action highlights the city’s failure to protect vulnerable road users at a known danger spot.

• Cyclist run over, killed in Williamsburg in second fatal crash in less than 12 hours, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-27

Danielle Aber died on Nassau Avenue. The driver, Stanley Manel, had 26 speed camera tickets. He faced minor charges. Officials demand action: lower speed limits, force repeat offenders to install speed controls, and redesign deadly streets. The city’s inaction kills.

On February 25, 2024, after Danielle Aber was killed by a repeat speeding driver in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a coalition of elected officials demanded sweeping changes. The group—Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez—called for passage of two state bills: one mandating intelligent speed assistance devices for drivers with six or more speeding tickets in a year, and 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let the City Council lower speed limits. Their statement read, 'We’re calling on the New York State legislature to pass two critical bills that would lead to fewer incidents of traffic violence.' They also urged the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting at intersections, and to convert Nassau and Norman avenues to one-way streets. The officials’ push highlights the deadly gap in accountability and infrastructure that leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Greenpoint Woman Dies from Injuries Sustained in Crash, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-25

A truck hit a woman crossing Sutton Street in Greenpoint. She lies in critical condition. The driver, with a long record of violations, faces charges. Council Member Restler and others demand safer streets, calling out reckless driving and deadly intersections.

On February 23, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined other officials in a public statement after a truck struck a pedestrian at Sutton Street and Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint. The incident left a 49-year-old woman in critical condition. The driver, Stanley Manel, was arrested and charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. The officials' statement read: 'We’re deeply saddened and outraged at the news of yet another pedestrian being struck by an unsafe driver in Greenpoint.' Restler and colleagues highlighted the intersection's dangers and the driver's history—35 tickets since 2019, including 26 speed camera violations. They urged support for bills requiring speed control devices for repeat offenders and for Sammy’s Law, which would let NYC set its own speed limits. The group called on the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting to protect pedestrians.

• Driver arrested after crash that left Greenpoint pedestrian in critical condition, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-23

A reckless driver with a long record struck a woman in a Greenpoint crosswalk. She clings to life. Officials demand action: lower speed limits, mandate speed devices, redesign streets. The city’s system failed to stop a repeat offender. Streets remain deadly.

On February 22, 2024, a woman was struck and critically injured by Stanley Manel, a driver with 26 prior speed camera violations, at Sutton Street and Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint. Manel was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Nassau Avenue, a two-way street used by cyclists, lacks protective infrastructure. Following the crash, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez called for passage of two state bills: one requiring repeat speeding offenders to install intelligent speed assistance devices, and Sammy's Law, which would let the City Council lower speed limits. They also urged the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting at intersections. Their statement reads: “Lowering the speed limit and enforcing real accountability for dangerous drivers are urgent steps we must take to protect New Yorkers.”

• Serious Crash in Greenpoint Again Reveals Flaws in City Design, Enforcement Against Reckless Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-22