Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Ozone Park?
Ozone Park Bleeds While Politicians Stall
Ozone Park: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 16, 2025
The Toll in Ozone Park
The streets of Ozone Park do not forgive. Since 2022, two people have died here. Four hundred twenty-five have been hurt. Six suffered injuries so grave they will not forget them. No one is spared. Children, elders, cyclists, and pedestrians all bleed the same on the asphalt.
Cars and SUVs strike most often. They left 69 people hurt or worse. Trucks and buses followed, with three killed or injured. Motorcycles, mopeds, and bikes each added to the count. A bus killed a 73-year-old woman crossing at 86th Street and 107th Avenue. The record shows: she was in the crosswalk. The bus was turning left. She died at the scene. The cause: failure to yield. There is no softer word for it. NYC Open Data.
Recent Crashes, Unanswered
The violence does not slow. In June, a 27-year-old man suffered a crushed neck in a crash on 149th Avenue. In November, a 64-year-old woman was struck by a pickup truck while crossing 88th Street. She survived, but her head bled badly. The truck was making a left turn. The stories repeat. The pain does not.
Leaders: Votes and Silence
Local leaders hold the power to stop this. State Senator Joe Addabbo voted yes to extend school speed zones and curb repeat speeders. Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato voted no, opposing safer school speed zones for children. The record is clear. Amato voted no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.
Council Member Joann Ariola has a history of voting against speed cameras, even as her own car racks up violations. Ariola said these cameras add additional financial strain to New Yorkers. The cost is counted in lives, not tickets.
What Now: Demand Action
This is not fate. It is policy. Call your council member. Call your assembly member. Tell them to back speed cameras, lower speed limits, and redesign streets for people, not cars. Every day of delay is another day of blood on the road.
Citations
▸ Citations
- MTA Bus Slams Curb, Injures Seven, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-16
- Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23
- Queens Pol Voted Against Speed Cameras — And Has 27 Speeding Tickets!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-09
- E-Bike Rider Killed In Police Chase, New York Post, Published 2025-07-13
- Bus Jumps Curb, Eight Injured In Flushing, ABC7, Published 2025-07-11
- Eight Injured As MTA Bus Hits Pole, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- Chain-Reaction Crash Kills Two On Belt Parkway, amny, Published 2025-07-10
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
- NYC Council signs off on 24/7 speed enforcement cameras, nypost.com, Published 2022-05-26
- Council Members Want To Be Notified When City Repurposes ‘Their’ Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-18
- Council Balks on Legalizing ‘Jaywalking’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-12
- Congestion pricing continues to stall, three years after being announced, gothamist.com, Published 2022-06-09
Other Representatives

District 23
159-53 102nd St., Howard Beach, NY 11414
Room 839, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248

District 32
114-12 Beach Channel Drive, Suite 1, Rockaway Park, NY 11694
718-318-6411
250 Broadway, Suite 1550, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7382

District 15
66-85 73rd Place, Middle Village, NY 11379
Room 811, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Help Fix the Problem.
This address sits in
Traffic Safety Timeline for Ozone Park
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane▸Astoria shopkeepers fight a protected bike lane on 31st Street. They claim city plans threaten their business and public safety. The lawsuit lands in Queens Supreme Court. The city faces pushback, progress stalls.
NY1 reported on August 11, 2025, that over a dozen Astoria business owners filed suit to block a protected bike lane on 31st Street. The petition, lodged in Queens Supreme Court, claims the redesign from 36th Avenue to Newton Avenue would 'hurt their day-to-day operations and jeopardize public safety.' Owners accuse the city of acting in an 'arbitrary and capricious' way, moving forward despite objections. The case highlights ongoing tension between street safety projects and local business concerns. The outcome could shape future protected bike lane installations citywide.
-
Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane,
NY1,
Published 2025-08-11
Ariola Opposes Creedmoor Density Boost and Car-Free Plan▸Queens leaders kill Creedmoor’s car-free dream. The city bows to drivers. Walkers and cyclists lose. Streets stay hostile. Safety gains vanish. The promise of a people-first neighborhood dies.
On August 7, 2025, Eastern Queens Greenway condemned the city’s decision to scale back the Creedmoor redevelopment. The plan, once a bold vision for a car-free, walkable neighborhood, was gutted after pressure from local politicians like Assembly Member Ed Braunstein and Council Member Joann Ariola. The original proposal called for 2,775 homes and limited parking. Now, density drops by 27 percent. Empire State Development claims compromise, but the statement is aspirational and lacks concrete safety measures for pedestrians or cyclists. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. The city missed its chance.
-
NYC Could Have Its First Car-Free Neighborhood (But Won’t Get It Due To Revanchist Pols),
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-07
Motorcycle Slams SUV on Pitkin Avenue▸Motorcycle struck SUV’s rear on Pitkin Avenue. One rider ejected, injured. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular factors. Impact left bodies and metal battered in Queens.
A motorcycle crashed into the back of an SUV on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, one 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions to his entire body. Three others, including the SUV driver, were listed with unspecified injuries. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The motorcycle hit the SUV’s center rear, damaging both vehicles. No mention of helmet use or signals as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance.
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street▸A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.
According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.
-
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street,
New York Post,
Published 2025-08-01
SUV Ignores Signal, Sedan Driver Injured in Queens Crash▸SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
- Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-13
Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane▸Astoria shopkeepers fight a protected bike lane on 31st Street. They claim city plans threaten their business and public safety. The lawsuit lands in Queens Supreme Court. The city faces pushback, progress stalls.
NY1 reported on August 11, 2025, that over a dozen Astoria business owners filed suit to block a protected bike lane on 31st Street. The petition, lodged in Queens Supreme Court, claims the redesign from 36th Avenue to Newton Avenue would 'hurt their day-to-day operations and jeopardize public safety.' Owners accuse the city of acting in an 'arbitrary and capricious' way, moving forward despite objections. The case highlights ongoing tension between street safety projects and local business concerns. The outcome could shape future protected bike lane installations citywide.
-
Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane,
NY1,
Published 2025-08-11
Ariola Opposes Creedmoor Density Boost and Car-Free Plan▸Queens leaders kill Creedmoor’s car-free dream. The city bows to drivers. Walkers and cyclists lose. Streets stay hostile. Safety gains vanish. The promise of a people-first neighborhood dies.
On August 7, 2025, Eastern Queens Greenway condemned the city’s decision to scale back the Creedmoor redevelopment. The plan, once a bold vision for a car-free, walkable neighborhood, was gutted after pressure from local politicians like Assembly Member Ed Braunstein and Council Member Joann Ariola. The original proposal called for 2,775 homes and limited parking. Now, density drops by 27 percent. Empire State Development claims compromise, but the statement is aspirational and lacks concrete safety measures for pedestrians or cyclists. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. The city missed its chance.
-
NYC Could Have Its First Car-Free Neighborhood (But Won’t Get It Due To Revanchist Pols),
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-07
Motorcycle Slams SUV on Pitkin Avenue▸Motorcycle struck SUV’s rear on Pitkin Avenue. One rider ejected, injured. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular factors. Impact left bodies and metal battered in Queens.
A motorcycle crashed into the back of an SUV on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, one 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions to his entire body. Three others, including the SUV driver, were listed with unspecified injuries. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The motorcycle hit the SUV’s center rear, damaging both vehicles. No mention of helmet use or signals as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance.
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street▸A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.
According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.
-
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street,
New York Post,
Published 2025-08-01
SUV Ignores Signal, Sedan Driver Injured in Queens Crash▸SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Astoria shopkeepers fight a protected bike lane on 31st Street. They claim city plans threaten their business and public safety. The lawsuit lands in Queens Supreme Court. The city faces pushback, progress stalls.
NY1 reported on August 11, 2025, that over a dozen Astoria business owners filed suit to block a protected bike lane on 31st Street. The petition, lodged in Queens Supreme Court, claims the redesign from 36th Avenue to Newton Avenue would 'hurt their day-to-day operations and jeopardize public safety.' Owners accuse the city of acting in an 'arbitrary and capricious' way, moving forward despite objections. The case highlights ongoing tension between street safety projects and local business concerns. The outcome could shape future protected bike lane installations citywide.
- Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane, NY1, Published 2025-08-11
Ariola Opposes Creedmoor Density Boost and Car-Free Plan▸Queens leaders kill Creedmoor’s car-free dream. The city bows to drivers. Walkers and cyclists lose. Streets stay hostile. Safety gains vanish. The promise of a people-first neighborhood dies.
On August 7, 2025, Eastern Queens Greenway condemned the city’s decision to scale back the Creedmoor redevelopment. The plan, once a bold vision for a car-free, walkable neighborhood, was gutted after pressure from local politicians like Assembly Member Ed Braunstein and Council Member Joann Ariola. The original proposal called for 2,775 homes and limited parking. Now, density drops by 27 percent. Empire State Development claims compromise, but the statement is aspirational and lacks concrete safety measures for pedestrians or cyclists. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. The city missed its chance.
-
NYC Could Have Its First Car-Free Neighborhood (But Won’t Get It Due To Revanchist Pols),
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-07
Motorcycle Slams SUV on Pitkin Avenue▸Motorcycle struck SUV’s rear on Pitkin Avenue. One rider ejected, injured. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular factors. Impact left bodies and metal battered in Queens.
A motorcycle crashed into the back of an SUV on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, one 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions to his entire body. Three others, including the SUV driver, were listed with unspecified injuries. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The motorcycle hit the SUV’s center rear, damaging both vehicles. No mention of helmet use or signals as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance.
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street▸A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.
According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.
-
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street,
New York Post,
Published 2025-08-01
SUV Ignores Signal, Sedan Driver Injured in Queens Crash▸SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Queens leaders kill Creedmoor’s car-free dream. The city bows to drivers. Walkers and cyclists lose. Streets stay hostile. Safety gains vanish. The promise of a people-first neighborhood dies.
On August 7, 2025, Eastern Queens Greenway condemned the city’s decision to scale back the Creedmoor redevelopment. The plan, once a bold vision for a car-free, walkable neighborhood, was gutted after pressure from local politicians like Assembly Member Ed Braunstein and Council Member Joann Ariola. The original proposal called for 2,775 homes and limited parking. Now, density drops by 27 percent. Empire State Development claims compromise, but the statement is aspirational and lacks concrete safety measures for pedestrians or cyclists. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. The city missed its chance.
- NYC Could Have Its First Car-Free Neighborhood (But Won’t Get It Due To Revanchist Pols), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-07
Motorcycle Slams SUV on Pitkin Avenue▸Motorcycle struck SUV’s rear on Pitkin Avenue. One rider ejected, injured. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular factors. Impact left bodies and metal battered in Queens.
A motorcycle crashed into the back of an SUV on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, one 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions to his entire body. Three others, including the SUV driver, were listed with unspecified injuries. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The motorcycle hit the SUV’s center rear, damaging both vehicles. No mention of helmet use or signals as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance.
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street▸A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.
According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.
-
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street,
New York Post,
Published 2025-08-01
SUV Ignores Signal, Sedan Driver Injured in Queens Crash▸SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Motorcycle struck SUV’s rear on Pitkin Avenue. One rider ejected, injured. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular factors. Impact left bodies and metal battered in Queens.
A motorcycle crashed into the back of an SUV on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, one 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions to his entire body. Three others, including the SUV driver, were listed with unspecified injuries. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The motorcycle hit the SUV’s center rear, damaging both vehicles. No mention of helmet use or signals as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance.
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street▸A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.
According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.
-
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street,
New York Post,
Published 2025-08-01
SUV Ignores Signal, Sedan Driver Injured in Queens Crash▸SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.
According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.
- Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street, New York Post, Published 2025-08-01
SUV Ignores Signal, Sedan Driver Injured in Queens Crash▸SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
SUV ran the light at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue. The sedan took the hit. One driver hurt, leg smashed. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
A sedan and an SUV collided at 97th Street and 133rd Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train▸A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
-
Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train,
amny,
Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.
According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.
- Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train, amny, Published 2025-07-08
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash▸City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
-
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash,
New York Post,
Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.
According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.
- City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash, New York Post, Published 2025-07-05
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
A sedan hit a woman crossing Cross Bay Blvd with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and burns. The driver and passenger were unhurt. The police report lists no clear cause.
A woman, age 24, was struck by a sedan while crossing Cross Bay Blvd at Liberty Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her leg and a moderate burn. According to the police report, the driver and passenger, both 24-year-old women, were not injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The impact point was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock.
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
- File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30
Int 0857-2024Ariola votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving street safety.▸Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
-
File Int 0857-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.
Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.
- File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30
SUV Collision on Pitkin Avenue Injures Elderly Passenger▸Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Two SUVs slammed together on Pitkin Avenue. A 70-year-old woman suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control ignored. Children and adults shaken. Steel and glass, chaos and pain.
Two sport utility vehicles collided at Pitkin Avenue and 78th Street in Queens. A 70-year-old female passenger sustained a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' contributed to the crash. Multiple passengers, including children as young as four, were involved. All wore lap belts or child restraints. The impact struck the right side doors of one SUV and the front end of the other. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists driver errors as the primary causes.
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run▸A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
-
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run,
New York Post,
Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.
According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.
- Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run, New York Post, Published 2025-06-24
Pheffer Amato Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Program▸Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
-
Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.
On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.
- Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23
Distracted Drivers Collide at 96th and 149th▸Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.
Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.
S 8344Amato votes no, opposing safer school speed zones for children.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17
S 7678Amato votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 7678,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
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File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
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File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.
Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16
S 7785Amato votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
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File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
- File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16
S 8344Addabbo votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.
Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-13
S 5677Amato votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
-
File S 5677,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-13
Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.
Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.
- File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-13