Steel Rules, Children Die—Albany Stalls

Jun 18 - A 48-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and an elbow injury but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10 p.m. on Harrison Avenue near Bartlett Street in Brooklyn. A pedestrian, a 48-year-old man, was crossing the intersection with the signal when he was struck by a vehicle making a left turn traveling north. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3, but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report places responsibility on the driver’s failure to yield and distraction, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734442 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 16 - A motorscooter struck a parked SUV on Harrison Avenue. The rider, 52, flew off, landing hard. Blood pooled as he lay conscious, torn open. The scooter’s front crumpled. The street held him in the evening heat.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old man riding a motorscooter southbound on Harrison Avenue near 83rd collided with the rear of a parked SUV. The report states, 'A motorscooter slammed into the back of a parked SUV. The rider, 52, flew off. He hit the ground hard. Conscious, torn open. Blood pooled.' The scooter’s front end was crushed, and the rider was ejected, suffering severe lacerations to his entire body. Both vehicles were traveling south, with the SUV entering a parked position at the time of impact. The police report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, drawing attention to the circumstances of vehicle positioning and movement. No mention is made of victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash left the rider injured and the street marked by violence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 11 - Ambulance struck 18-year-old cyclist from behind on Penn Street. Rider suffered bruises to knee and leg. Police cited ambulance driver for following too closely. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, an ambulance traveling south on Penn Street in Brooklyn collided with an 18-year-old male bicyclist, also heading south. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, showing the ambulance driver failed to keep a safe distance. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist wore a helmet, but helmet use was not cited as a contributing factor. This crash underscores the risk to cyclists when drivers tailgate, even emergency vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739475 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Assembly Members Emily Gallagher and Robert Carroll denounce the governor’s move to halt congestion pricing. They call it a blow to transit, air quality, and city life. Their words cut through: New York’s streets belong to people, not cars.

On June 7, 2024, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher (District 50) joined Robert Carroll in a public statement opposing Governor Hochul’s indefinite delay of congestion pricing. The op-ed, titled 'Two Assembly Pols: Congestion Pricing is Good Policy — Democrats Should Embrace It,' argues the governor’s action is 'effectively a cancellation.' Gallagher and Carroll stress that congestion pricing is essential for funding the MTA and improving public transit. They write, 'Congestion pricing does both and there is no fair or viable alternative way to fund the MTA’s capital needs at this juncture.' The statement warns that the delay will shelve critical projects and worsen conditions for all who rely on safe, accessible streets. Gallagher’s stance is clear: the city’s future depends on prioritizing transit and public space over traffic and private cars.

• Two Assembly Pols: Congestion Pricing is Good Policy — Democrats Should Embrace It, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Two Assembly members slam the governor’s move to halt congestion pricing. They call it a blow to transit, air quality, and city life. They say New York needs fewer cars, more trains, and streets for people, not traffic. The fight continues.

Assembly Members Robert Carroll and Emily Gallagher issued a public statement on June 7, 2024, supporting congestion pricing and condemning Governor Hochul’s indefinite delay of the program. The statement, published as an op-ed, argues, 'the Governor’s announcement to indefinitely delay implementation is effectively a cancellation of congestion pricing.' Carroll and Gallagher, both long-time supporters, stress that congestion pricing is vital for funding the MTA’s capital needs and for reducing traffic and pollution. They warn that the governor’s move will stall key transit projects and harm New Yorkers who rely on public transportation. The members urge Democrats to embrace the policy, stating, 'It is past time for New York to join such cities as London, Milan, Stockholm, and Singapore and implement congestion pricing without further delay.' The statement does not mince words: the city’s future depends on streets for people, not cars.

• Two Assembly Pols: Congestion Pricing is Good Policy — Democrats Should Embrace It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Albany lawmakers walked away. The MTA’s billion-dollar gap remains. No deal. No new funding. Subway upgrades, electric buses, and station fixes hang in the balance. Riders, not drivers, face the cost. Streets stay clogged. Danger lingers for all outside a car.

"The governor is pointing an unloaded gun at us and asking to give her the ammunition to shoot us and our constituents." -- Julia Salazar

On June 7, 2024, New York’s legislature ended its session without plugging the MTA’s multi-billion-dollar budget hole. The gap opened when Governor Hochul halted Manhattan’s congestion pricing. The bill, discussed but not passed, would have replaced lost revenue—$1 billion a year meant for transit upgrades. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the debate, said, 'Our conference is reticent to commit a billion dollars annually for the next 15 years without having some understanding in place as to how we're going to deal with congestion as well.' Lawmakers could not agree on new taxes or a legislative IOU. The inaction leaves critical MTA projects—like electric buses and accessible stations—at risk. Vulnerable road users lose most: less transit means more cars, more danger, and fewer safe options for those on foot, bike, or bus.

• NY lawmakers won’t tackle Hochul-created MTA budget hole, for now, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 23 - A 33-year-old bicyclist was injured on Broadway in Brooklyn after a collision involving aggressive driving. The cyclist suffered lower leg injuries and was wearing a helmet. Police cite other vehicular factors and road rage as contributing causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway near Leonard Street in Brooklyn at 16:43 involving a bicyclist and a Nissan car. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old male, was injured with trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies aggressive driving and other vehicular factors as contributing causes, highlighting driver errors related to road rage. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time and was not ejected from his bike. Both vehicles were traveling westbound and collided at their center front ends. The police report emphasizes the role of the vehicle driver’s aggressive behavior and other vehicular factors in causing the crash, without attributing fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 23 - A bus struck a 16-year-old cyclist head-on on Broadway. The boy flew from his bike, landing hard. His head split open, blood pooling on the street. The bus rolled away, untouched. The boy lay conscious, pain etched across his face.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on Broadway struck a 16-year-old male cyclist head-on. The collision ejected the cyclist from his bike, resulting in severe head lacerations. The report states the bus driver was inattentive and failed to yield the right-of-way. The cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, landed hard on the pavement and remained conscious with a torn-open head. The bus sustained no damage and continued on. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the aftermath, emphasizing the unyielding force of the bus and the vulnerability of the young cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727033 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - An SUV making a right turn hit a northbound e-bike on Broadway near Graham Avenue. The e-bike rider suffered a shoulder and upper arm injury, left front quarter panel damage marks the SUV. Driver inattention caused the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:10 on Broadway near Graham Avenue. The SUV was making a right turn northeast when it struck the e-bike traveling north. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel and the e-bike's center front end. The e-bike rider, a 49-year-old male, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and experienced shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper attention during the turn. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. The SUV had no occupants other than the driver, and the e-bike rider was licensed. Vehicle damage and injury severity confirm the impact's force and the rider's vulnerability.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19