Simcha Felder’s Silence Is Deadly: How Many More Must Die?

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 KIA turned left on Avenue O. An e-bike passed on the right. Metal struck flesh. A 21-year-old man flew from the bike, helmetless, and hit the pavement. He stayed conscious, bleeding, his skin split open.

According to the police report, a KIA SUV was making a left turn on Avenue O near East 4th Street when it collided with an e-bike passing on the right. The impact threw a 21-year-old male passenger from the e-bike, leaving him with severe lacerations across his body. The report states the victim was ejected and remained conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors in the crash, both attributed to driver actions. The narrative notes the victim was not wearing a helmet, but this detail is mentioned only after driver errors. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers fail to yield and speed endangers vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752262, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Dodge pickup truck hit a 67-year-old man head-on at 54th Street and 15th Avenue. The man died beneath the truck’s front end, his head broken, the vehicle’s lights casting harsh shadows over stillness.

A fatal collision occurred at the corner of 54th Street and 15th Avenue when a southbound Dodge pickup truck struck a 67-year-old man, according to the police report. The report states the pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the intersection when the truck hit him head-on. The man died at the scene, suffering severe head injuries beneath the vehicle’s front end. The police report lists the contributing factors for both the driver and the pedestrian as 'Unspecified.' The truck’s point of impact was the center front end, and the vehicle sustained damage to the left front quarter panel. The narrative describes the aftermath: 'his head broken, the truck’s lights shining down on stillness.' No specific driver errors are cited in the report, and no additional contributing factors are attributed to the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733755, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 16-year-old cyclist collided with a turning sedan on Ocean Parkway. His helmet cracked, face torn, blood pooled on the asphalt. Morning drivers kept moving. The boy lay still, ejected from his bike, shock flooding his body.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old boy riding a bike was traveling straight southbound on Ocean Parkway when he struck a sedan making a right turn onto Avenue S. The collision occurred at 7:32 a.m. The report describes the boy being ejected from his bike, his helmet cracking on impact, and suffering severe facial lacerations. The sedan, a 2022 Acura, was struck on its left rear quarter panel while turning. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, but does not cite any driver error such as failure to yield or distraction. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, which is noted in the report after the contributing factors. The scene left the teenager in shock, bleeding on the roadway, as traffic continued past.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717690, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 22-year-old moped rider struck the rear of a stopped SUV on 18th Avenue. He flew headfirst onto the pavement, suffering fatal head injuries. No helmet. The street was empty. Dawn had not yet broken. He died alone.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on 18th Avenue near 55th Street collided with the left rear bumper of a stationary SUV at approximately 3:20 a.m. The report states, 'A moped slammed into the rear of a stopped SUV. The 22-year-old rider flew off, head first.' The moped rider, a 22-year-old man, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal head injuries. The report notes he was not wearing a helmet. The SUV was stopped in traffic at the time of the crash. The official contributing factor listed is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The police report does not cite any contributing behaviors by the victim beyond the absence of a helmet, which is noted after the driver error. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711853, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans collided violently on Avenue P. The KIA struck left and low. A baby boy, away from the road and not in a car, suffered head bleeding but remained conscious. Metal twisted. The crash’s force reached beyond the street’s edge.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at speed on Avenue P, with the KIA striking left and low on the other vehicle. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead before impact. The crash caused severe vehicle damage described as 'metal was twisted.' A baby boy, who was not in the roadway or inside a vehicle, suffered bleeding from the head but was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for either driver, both marked as 'Unspecified.' The infant’s injury highlights the crash’s violent force extending beyond the immediate traffic zone. The report does not attribute any contributing behavior to the infant or other victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695874, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Chevy SUV struck an 18-year-old woman crossing 17th Avenue with the light. Blood ran down her face. She stayed conscious. The driver looked too late. Streetlights blinked. The city kept moving. The wound marked the intersection.

According to the police report, a Chevy SUV traveling west on 17th Avenue at 52nd Street struck an 18-year-old woman who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The report states the pedestrian suffered severe bleeding to her face but remained conscious at the scene. Police attribute the crash to 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' noting the driver 'looked too late.' The SUV's point of impact was the center front end. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian was crossing with the light, as documented in the report, after the driver failed to observe her in time. The narrative underscores the systemic danger faced by people on foot, even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692482, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A woman crossed 60th Street with the light. An e-scooter sped south, struck her face. Blood pooled on the crosswalk. She stayed conscious, pain etched across her features. Metal twisted. The street bore witness.

At the corner of 60th Street and 18th Avenue in Brooklyn, a 62-year-old woman was injured when an e-scooter traveling south struck her as she crossed with the signal. According to the police report, 'A woman crossed with the light. An e-scooter came fast, struck her face. Blood spilled on the crosswalk.' The pedestrian suffered severe bleeding to her face but remained conscious after the impact. The report notes the pedestrian was 'Crossing With Signal' at the intersection, and the e-scooter was 'Going Straight Ahead.' The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified,' but the narrative and data confirm the pedestrian had the right of way. The e-scooter's center front end took the brunt of the collision, leaving both machine and victim crumpled in the aftermath.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692501, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 12-year-old boy crossed Avenue F with the light. An SUV hit him in the face. Blood pooled on the asphalt. The driver did not leave the seat. The boy stayed conscious. The SUV showed no damage.

A 12-year-old boy was struck by a northbound SUV while crossing Avenue F near McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the boy was 'crossing with the signal' when the SUV hit him in the face. The boy suffered severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The report notes the driver stayed in the vehicle, which showed no visible damage. The police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The boy was in the crosswalk, following the signal, when the impact occurred. No driver errors were specified in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685716, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council passed a law to overhaul city truck routes. The bill orders daylighting at intersections and new signage. It aims to cut crashes, boost visibility, and shrink truck miles. Sponsors demand safer streets for people on foot and bike. Change is now law.

Int 0708-2022, now Local Law 171 of 2023, was enacted by the City Council on December 16, 2023, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The law, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to redesigning the city truck route network," requires the Department of Transportation to redesign truck routes to "improve safety, increase visibility, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce vehicle miles traveled." Council Member Tiffany Cabán led as primary sponsor, joined by dozens of co-sponsors. The law mandates daylighting—removing parking near intersections—to clear sight lines for drivers and protect people crossing. DOT must consult with safety groups, residents, and businesses, and replace truck route signage for better clarity. The law sets deadlines: initial report by November 2023, implementation by June 2024, and new signage by July 2024. This overhaul targets the deadly risk trucks pose to vulnerable road users at city intersections.

• File Int 0708-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-11-15

Council passed Int 1164-2023. The law forces DOT to map out where street safety money goes. It tracks past investment, crash rates, and who gets left behind. The city must show its work, district by district. No more hiding the gaps.

Int 1164-2023, now enacted, amends the city code to require an 'investment roadmap' in every Streets Master Plan starting December 1, 2026. The bill moved through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passing on October 19, 2023, and became law on November 19, 2023. The law states: 'The department shall prioritize and promote...the safety of all street users...and improving equity in infrastructure investment.' Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley (primary), with Brooks-Powers, Narcisse, Hanif, Brewer, Restler, and Rivera as co-sponsors, the bill demands DOT report, by neighborhood, on safety infrastructure investment, crash rates, and demographics. It shines a light on which districts get safety upgrades and which are left exposed. The roadmap aims to close the gap for underserved areas, forcing transparency and accountability for every dollar spent on street safety.

• File Int 1164-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-10-19

Council passed a law forcing DOT to report cars with unreadable plates dodging cameras. The bill targets drivers hiding their plates from red light and speed cameras. Reports must show where, when, and how plates go unseen. Data goes public, every quarter.

Int 0712-2022, now enacted as Local Law 155 of 2023, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the full Council on October 19, 2023. The law, sponsored by Gale A. Brewer with co-sponsors including Erik D. Bottcher, Lincoln Restler, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to report on vehicles with license plates unreadable by photo violation monitoring systems. The law’s title states it is 'in relation to reporting on motor vehicles with license plates that are unreadable by photo violation monitoring systems.' DOT must post quarterly reports showing the time, location, and reasons plates evade cameras—whether by concealment, distortion, or missing tags. The law aims to expose drivers who dodge automated enforcement, shining light on a loophole that puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The reports must be public and sent to the Mayor and Council Speaker.

• File Int 0712-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-10-19

The Council passed a law forcing DOT to map every bike lane, hazard, and obstruction. Cyclists and pedestrians get a clear look at danger. The searchable map must show blocked lanes, crash sites, and repairs. No more hiding unsafe streets.

Int 0289-2022, now Local Law 124 of 2023, was enacted by the City Council on September 3, 2023, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The law requires the Department of Transportation to publish a monthly-updated, searchable map of all city bike lanes. The map must show obstructions, construction, crash patterns, shared paths, conflict points, resurfacing, parking, bike share docks, open streets, repair shops, and reporting tools. The bill’s matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to develop a map of bicycle infrastructure conditions.' Council Member Crystal Hudson sponsored the bill, joined by Rivera, Sanchez, Stevens, Yeger, Restler, Avilés, and others. The law brings sunlight to hidden hazards, giving vulnerable road users the facts they need to see the city’s dangers in plain sight.

• File Int 0289-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-08-03

Council filed a bill to raise fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, or scooters on sidewalks. The measure targets repeat offenders and cases with physical contact. The bill died in committee. Streets remain unchanged. Vulnerable users still face car danger.

Int 1143-2023 was introduced on August 3, 2023, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill sought to amend the city code by 'increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk.' The measure would have raised fines up to $510 for endangering others, with double penalties for repeat violations and extra penalties for physical contact. Council Member Gale A. Brewer sponsored the bill, joined by Gennaro, Lee, Brannan, Yeger, Kagan, Vernikov, and Ariola. The bill was filed at the end of the session on December 31, 2023, and did not become law. No safety analyst assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The bill focused on sidewalk riding, but left the core danger—cars on city streets—untouched.

• File Int 1143-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-08-03

A Lexus backed up on East 10th Street. Metal struck a 71-year-old man crossing Avenue O. He lay semiconscious under the car. He died there, in the dark, beneath the rear bumper. The street stayed quiet. The man did not rise.

A 71-year-old man was killed when a Lexus sedan reversed into him at East 10th Street and Avenue O in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the vehicle backed up, striking him. The man was found semiconscious beneath the rear bumper and died at the scene. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The driver was licensed and operating a 2011 Lexus sedan. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the lethal risk to pedestrians, especially when vehicles reverse in intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649253, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Lexus SUV struck a 68-year-old woman crossing McDonald Avenue. The driver was distracted. The impact crushed her body. She died on the street. The avenue went quiet. Another life ended by inattention behind the wheel.

A 68-year-old woman was killed while crossing McDonald Avenue near Webster Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a southbound Lexus SUV hit her head-on. The report states, “The driver was distracted.” The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. The contributing factor listed is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' No other contributing factors are noted. The vehicle, a 2016 Lexus SUV registered in Pennsylvania, struck the woman with its center front end. The data does not mention any actions by the pedestrian as contributing factors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648149, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council pushed DOT to study raised speed bumps at speed camera spots. If feasible, bumps would go in within a year. Annual reports would track danger and say if cameras are still needed. The bill died at session’s end. No action. No change.

Bill Int 1120-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, aimed to force the Department of Transportation to assess at least 100 speed camera locations per year for raised speed reducer feasibility. Introduced July 13, 2023, and sponsored by Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary), Kevin C. Riley, Kalman Yeger, Amanda Farías, and David M. Carr, the measure required DOT to install raised speed reducers within a year where feasible, then report annually on danger indicators and recommend if cameras should remain. The official summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023. No raised speed reducers will be installed under this law. Vulnerable road users remain exposed at these crossings.

• File Int 1120-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-07-13

A moped driver turned left on Bay Parkway, distracted. He lost control. The front crumpled. He flew from the seat, helmet on, bleeding from his arm. Shock set in. Blood pooled in the summer heat. Permit only. The street held him.

A 44-year-old man riding a TAIZH moped was injured while making a left turn on Bay Parkway near McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the driver was distracted and inattentive. The moped's front end crumpled. The man, wearing a helmet and holding only a permit, was ejected from the vehicle. He suffered severe bleeding to his arm and lay in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other vehicles or people were involved. The crash left the driver injured and bleeding on the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642190, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Chevy sedan turned left on Avenue M. The driver struck a 77-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She bled from the head in the crosswalk. The car showed no damage. The street fell silent. The driver failed to yield.

A 77-year-old woman was crossing Avenue M with the signal when a Chevy sedan, making a left turn, struck her in the head. According to the police report, she suffered severe bleeding and remained conscious at the scene. The report states, 'A 77-year-old woman, crossing with the signal, was struck in the head by a turning Chevy sedan.' The car was undamaged. The driver held a valid license. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The woman was in the crosswalk, following the signal. No other contributing factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641638, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

The council passed a law forcing DOT to install traffic calming devices near senior centers. At least fifty new devices each year. Streets where elders walk will see more barriers between them and speeding cars. The city must report every installation.

Bill Int 0679-2022, now Local Law 63 of 2023, was enacted on May 29, 2023, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The law states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of traffic calming devices in senior pedestrian zones.' Council Member Darlene Mealy sponsored the bill, joined by co-sponsors including Amanda Farías, Tiffany Cabán, and others. The council voted overwhelmingly in favor on April 27, 2023. The law requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department for the Aging, to annually install at least one traffic calming device in each designated senior pedestrian zone, with a minimum of fifty devices citywide per year. DOT must report installation locations to the council every year. The law aims to slow traffic and protect older pedestrians where they are most at risk.

• File Int 0679-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-27