No More Bodies in the Road: Demand Streets That Don’t Kill

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 man on an e-scooter crashed into a stopped bus on Broadway. His leg tore open. Blood pooled on the street. The bus stood still. The scooter shattered. Night pressed in around the wreckage.

A 22-year-old man riding an e-scooter collided with a stopped bus near 954 Broadway in Brooklyn at 10 p.m., according to the police report. The report states the bus was 'stopped in traffic' and did not move at the time of impact. The e-scooter, traveling straight ahead, struck the bus's left front quarter panel. The rider suffered severe lacerations to his leg, with blood pooling on the street. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor in the crash. The narrative notes the e-scooter rider was helmetless, but only after documenting the driver error. The bus sustained damage to its left front quarter panel, while the scooter crumpled on impact. No injuries to bus occupants were reported. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of inattention and distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4757654, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill Int 1039-2024 would stop bike share operators from charging members more than a subway fare for short rides. The cap covers e-bikes up to one hour and regular bikes up to two hours. The bill sits in committee.

Int 1039-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on September 12, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to setting maximum amounts for certain member usage fees charged by a bike share operator.' Council Member Chi A. Ossé leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Marte, Hudson, Cabán, Brannan, Hanif, Brewer, and Abreu. The bill would prohibit bike share companies from charging members more than the base subway fare for e-bike rides of one hour or less, or regular bike rides of two hours or less. The law would take effect 120 days after passage and apply to new or renewed contracts. This measure aims to keep bike share affordable for New Yorkers, making cycling a more accessible option.

• File Int 1039-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-12

A new protected bike lane will run 1.5 miles on Bedford Avenue. Barriers will shield cyclists from traffic. Pedestrian islands and medians will slow cars. The city moves after years of crashes, deaths, and delays. Ossé calls it overdue. Work starts now.

On September 11, 2024, Council Member Chi Ossé (District 36) and the Department of Transportation announced a protected bike lane for Bedford Avenue. The project, not a council bill but a city action, follows years of advocacy and delay. The DOT will convert a painted, often-blocked bike lane between Dean Street and Flushing Avenue into a protected corridor. The official summary states: 'The addition of a parking-protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue will create a critical cycling link...while making the road safer for everyone.' Ossé, who previously criticized DOT delays, said, 'This project is a win for everyone.' The lane will address a Vision Zero Priority Corridor with five pedestrian deaths and nearly 400 crashes since 2019. New medians, pedestrian islands, and traffic-calming measures will target deadly intersections. Advocates call it critical safety infrastructure, the first of its kind in the district.

• Protected bike lanes are coming to Bedford Avenue, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-09-11

City crews break ground on Bed-Stuy’s first protected bike lane. Cyclists and pedestrians get new space. Painted lanes failed. Cars and trucks blocked them. Now, steel and concrete promise real safety. Councilmember Chi Ossé calls it a win for all.

On September 10, 2024, the NYC Department of Transportation announced construction of a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Council District 36. Councilmember Chi Ossé, who represents Bed-Stuy, praised the move as a 'public policy decision with only winners.' The project replaces a painted lane that was 'chronically parked in by drivers,' leaving cyclists exposed. The new 1.5-mile stretch, between Dean Street and Flushing Avenue, will include pedestrian islands and loading zones. Kathy Park Price of Transportation Alternatives called it 'a critical step towards creating an actual safe cycling network.' DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone cited data: protected bike lanes cut pedestrian deaths and injuries by 29.2%, and pedestrian islands by 29.9%. Construction starts this week, with completion expected by year’s end. The redesign aims to end the danger for all who travel Bedford Avenue.

• NYC DOT to begin construction on protected bike lane in Bed-Stuy, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-10

A Chevy SUV tore through Myrtle Avenue, its right front bumper crushing a 63-year-old man in the crosswalk. Blood pooled on the pavement. The driver never stopped. The man died in the intersection, another life ended by driver inattention.

According to the police report, a Chevy SUV traveling east on Myrtle Avenue near Broadway struck a 63-year-old man at the intersection. The impact came from the vehicle’s right front bumper, crushing the man’s arm and causing fatal injuries. The report states the driver did not stop after the collision. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, as noted in the report, but the primary error listed is the driver’s failure to pay attention. The man died at the scene, his blood left on the pavement. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction and the systemic dangers faced by people crossing New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751938, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council Member Chi Ossé joined activists at Nostrand Avenue station. They blasted Governor Hochul’s pause on congestion pricing. The delay halts elevator upgrades, trapping seniors, parents, and disabled riders. The street outside roars with traffic. The subway stays out of reach.

On July 11, 2024, Council Member Chi Ossé (District 36) stood with Riders Alliance and other advocates outside the Nostrand Avenue subway station. They protested Governor Kathy Hochul’s June 5 decision to suspend congestion pricing, a move that froze $16.5 billion in MTA upgrades, including elevators for Bed-Stuy’s busy station. The event, covered by brooklynpaper.com, highlighted the urgent need for accessibility: 'We want our elevators, we want our service, and we want it now,' said State Sen. Jabari Brisport. Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest called the delay a denial of basic rights. Ossé called Hochul’s move 'an attack on our most vulnerable constituents.' Only a quarter of city stations are wheelchair-accessible. The hold traps thousands—seniors, parents, disabled riders—forcing them to risk dangerous streets or skip transit altogether.

• Activists rail against Hochul’s congestion pricing delay, call for accessibility upgrades to Bed-Stuy subway station, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-11

A man on a Fly e-bike crashed into a stopped SUV on Chauncey Street. He flew from the saddle, pelvis shattered, awake on the asphalt. The report cites following too closely and inexperience. No helmet. No license. The street stayed silent.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old man operating a Fly e-bike eastbound on Chauncey Street near 155th in Brooklyn struck the rear of a stationary SUV at 10:10 a.m. The e-bike rider, unlicensed and without a helmet, was ejected from his vehicle and suffered severe crush injuries to his pelvis. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors in the crash. The SUV, driven by a licensed woman, was stopped in traffic when the collision occurred. The e-bike's center front end crumpled on impact with the SUV's right rear bumper. The police narrative describes the rider as conscious but immobilized on the asphalt, staring at the sky. The report makes no mention of any error by the SUV driver, focusing instead on the e-bike operator's actions and lack of protective equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735465, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council wants lights on city step streets. The bill orders the DOT to brighten at least 25 stairways a year. Dark stairs mean danger. Light means fewer falls, fewer hidden threats. The push comes from a broad coalition. The goal is simple: safer steps.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, it commands the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian lighting on at least 25 step streets each year. The bill’s matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola leads, joined by Council Members Hanks, Ayala, Salaam, Brooks-Powers, Banks, Restler, Brannan, Ung, Gutiérrez, Louis, Hudson, Schulman, Ossé, Krishnan, Nurse, Moya, and Marmorato. Step streets are public staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to ensure these stairs are well-lit, reducing risk for walkers. Once all step streets are lit, the mandate ends. The measure targets a clear hazard: darkness on city stairs.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A woman riding east on Gates Avenue struck a defective patch of road. Her bike stopped cold. She flew forward, her helmet cracking on impact. Blood pooled as she lay incoherent. The street’s broken surface drew its price.

A 38-year-old woman riding a bicycle eastbound on Gates Avenue was severely injured when defective pavement caused her to crash, according to the police report. The report describes how 'the road gave way,' halting her bike and sending her headfirst to the ground. She suffered a head injury with severe bleeding and was described as incoherent at the scene. The police report identifies 'Pavement Defective' as the sole contributing factor in the crash. The narrative notes her helmet cracked on impact, but no victim behavior is cited as a contributing factor. The incident underscores the danger posed by hazardous street conditions to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721986, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Four Brooklyn neighborhoods see no new protected bike lanes. City promised 75 miles by 2022. Cyclist injuries and deaths stay high. Council Members Joseph and Ossé demand action. City Hall and DOT blamed for delay. Equity and safety ignored. Riders remain exposed.

On March 26, 2024, the City Council scrutinized DOT’s failure to deliver protected bike lanes in Borough Park, Midwood, Flatbush, and Bedford-Stuyvesant—Vision Zero ‘Bike Priority Areas’ since 2017. The city pledged 75 miles of new or improved bike routes by 2022. As of now, none have been built. Council Member Rita Joseph, representing Flatbush and Midwood, introduced legislation to speed up construction, stating, “My community has been asking for it. The Commissioner has made a commitment. He needs to step up and do it now.” Council Member Chi Ossé condemned the administration’s inaction, calling it “yet another glaring example” of broken promises. Advocates and residents cite safety and equity concerns, noting these districts suffer more cyclist injuries and deaths but get fewer protected lanes. The Council is now considering oversight to enforce legal benchmarks and ensure fair distribution of bike infrastructure.

• SAFETY LAST: DOT Added No New Protected Bike Lanes in Four ‘Priority Districts’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-26

Council Member Ossé blasted DOT for stalling the Bedford Ave protected bike lane. Promises broken. Cyclists still risk death. Community boards back the lane. City drags its feet. Injuries rise. Politics blocks safety. Streets stay dangerous.

On March 19, 2024, Council Member Chi Ossé publicly condemned the Department of Transportation for failing to install the promised protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The DOT had pledged completion in late 2023, but the project remains stalled with no timeline. Ossé stated, 'They brought this to the community board and there was an outpouring of support for this protected bike lane.' The matter was discussed with Community Boards 3 and 8, and local officials, schools, and businesses support the project. Council Member Lincoln Restler accused Mayor Adams of putting politics over public safety, saying, 'Mayor Adams has decided that he cares more about who he thinks is going to vote for him in 2025 than our lives.' The delay leaves cyclists exposed to ongoing danger, with injuries on the rise. The DOT’s call for more 'community engagement' is seen as a smokescreen for inaction. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Ossé: Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is Stuck in DOT’s ‘Community Engagement’ Purgatory, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-19

A 46-year-old man riding east on Atlantic Avenue struck an object head-on. His skull bore the force. He died at the scene. Police cite driver inattention. The night swallowed another life on Brooklyn’s streets.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old man was operating a Fly Wing moped eastbound on Atlantic Avenue at Kingston Avenue in Brooklyn when he collided head-on with an object. The report states the impact was to the center front end of the moped, causing fatal head injuries to the driver, who died at the scene. The police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. The narrative underscores that the victim’s skull took the brunt of the blow. No other vehicles or persons are reported involved. The report does not specify the use of any safety equipment by the victim, nor does it list any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the systemic danger posed by driver distraction, as detailed in the official police account.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710249, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

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 bill pushes DOT to open streets wider and longer on busy holidays. Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July Fourth, Labor Day, Halloween—cars barred, people free. Community groups get a say. Streets shift from danger to refuge, if the city acts.

Int 0270-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic. The bill’s summary reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. The bill directs DOT to seek community input for more activation days. Applications for these special activations follow the same review as regular Open Streets. The measure aims to give pedestrians and cyclists more space and time, cutting car risk when crowds surge.

• File Int 0270-2024, 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 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 members push for a hard look at last mile delivery hubs. Trucks swarm neighborhoods. Streets clog. Collisions rise. The bill demands data. It targets the city’s growing freight problem. Vulnerable New Yorkers walk these streets. The study could expose the toll.

Int 0113-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it orders the Department of Transportation to study how last mile delivery facilities batter local streets and communities. The bill summary reads: 'estimating the amount of delivery vehicles arriving at or departing from each facility, and the impact that additional vehicle traffic has on parking, street congestion, vehicle collisions and other traffic incidents.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Alexa Avilés, Shekar Krishnan, Amanda Farías, and over twenty others. The bill was referred to committee on the day it was introduced. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the bill’s focus is clear: count the trucks, count the crashes, and show the cost to people on foot and bike.

• File Int 0113-2024, 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

A sedan slammed into a southbound e-scooter on Tompkins Avenue. The rider flew headfirst onto the pavement, blood pooling beneath him. Driver inattention ruled the night. Sirens came late. The street bore witness to another wound.

According to the police report, a sedan struck a southbound e-scooter near Tompkins Avenue and Halsey Street in Brooklyn at 11:56 p.m. The e-scooter rider, a 34-year-old man, was ejected and suffered severe head lacerations. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan's point of impact was the left rear quarter panel, while the e-scooter was hit at the center front end. The rider was not wearing a helmet, but this detail is mentioned only after the driver’s error. The narrative describes the rider flying headfirst onto the pavement, blood pooling on the street, and the driver remaining silent. The incident underscores the deadly consequences of driver inattention for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705935, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15