Park Slope Bleeds While Leaders Stall—Demand Streets That Protect People, Not Cars

Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

Council slashed parking mandates in transit-rich zones. Mandates linger in outer areas. Progress, but not full victory. Some districts carved out exceptions. Housing and parking no longer clash in core neighborhoods. Vulnerable road users still face cars in many places.

""Council Member Shahana Hanif (D Kensington) was one of the progressives whose district includes some of the 'outer transit zone.' Her spokesperson said the Council member 'did not advocate for any carve outs.'"" -- Shahana K. Hanif

On February 26, 2025, the City Council approved Mayor Adams's 'City of Yes' rezoning. The bill divided the city into zones: the Manhattan core, an inner transit zone with no parking mandates, an outer transit zone with reduced mandates, and areas beyond where mandates mostly remain. The matter summary states, 'The final plan did not eliminate parking mandates citywide but divided the city into zones.' Council Member Crystal Hudson pushed to eliminate mandates in all her districts. Council Member Shahana Hanif opposed carve-outs. Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez called parking mandates 'a concession to cars that we don’t need and can’t afford.' Council Member Sandy Nurse’s district saw mandates shaped by community board amendments, not her advocacy. Dan Garodnick, Department of City Planning chair, said, 'parking and housing are no longer coming into conflict in the parts of New York City that are well-served by transit.' The bill passed after compromises, leaving mandates in some areas and progress in others. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• ‘City of … Sort Of’: How Do The ‘Outer Transit Zone’ Parking Mandate Reductions Work?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-26

A sedan collided head-on with an e-bike on Flatbush Avenue, ejecting the 21-year-old bicyclist. The rider suffered lower arm injuries and shock. Police cited the sedan driver’s disregard for traffic control as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, at 19:21 on Flatbush Avenue, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling north struck an e-bike traveling west. The collision occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 21-year-old male, was ejected and sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in a complaint of pain and nausea and emotional shock. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' by the sedan driver as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The e-bike rider was unlicensed and also traveling straight ahead. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls, leading to severe injury of vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Trump killed congestion pricing. The MTA sued. Advocates warn: more cars, more crashes, dirtier air. Transit funding gutted. Disabled riders lose elevators. Streets grow deadlier. Politicians vow to fight. The city braces for gridlock and loss.

""By blocking this successful policy, Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system," he continued. "This means no new station elevators for elderly and disabled riders, and no new subway signals to speed up commutes for working New Yorkers."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On February 19, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy cited burdens on working-class drivers and questioned the legality of using toll revenue for transit. The MTA immediately filed a lawsuit to challenge the move, arguing the program is settled law and already reduces congestion. State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie condemned the action, warning, 'Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system.' The withdrawal aligns with New Jersey's opposition and threatens transit upgrades like elevators for elderly and disabled riders. Local officials and advocates say ending congestion pricing will harm vulnerable road users and worsen street danger.

• Trump Withdraws Federal Approval for Congestion Pricing, Blowing Hole in Transit Budget, as MTA Files Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19

Trump killed congestion pricing. The MTA sued. Advocates warn: more cars, more crashes, dirtier air. Transit funding gutted. Disabled riders lose elevators. Streets grow deadlier. Politicians vow to fight. The city braces for gridlock and loss.

""Congestion pricing is working – and is critical for the investments we need to make in our public transit system. We need leadership that's not afraid to stand up for us, or stand up against Donald Trump."" -- Zellnor Myrie

On February 19, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy cited burdens on working-class drivers and questioned the legality of using toll revenue for transit. The MTA immediately filed a lawsuit to challenge the move, arguing the program is settled law and already reduces congestion. State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie condemned the action, warning, 'Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system.' The withdrawal aligns with New Jersey's opposition and threatens transit upgrades like elevators for elderly and disabled riders. Local officials and advocates say ending congestion pricing will harm vulnerable road users and worsen street danger.

• Trump Withdraws Federal Approval for Congestion Pricing, Blowing Hole in Transit Budget, as MTA Files Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19

A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18

Assembly bill A 5623 would make parking in crosswalks a crime. Drivers who block pedestrian paths face misdemeanor charges. Law aims to keep crossings clear. Pedestrians get space. Streets breathe.

Assembly bill A 5623, titled the "New York State pedestrian right-of-way protection act," was introduced on February 18, 2025. The bill sits at the sponsorship stage. It would make it an unclassified misdemeanor to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a pedestrian right-of-way. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) is the primary sponsor, joined by Scott Gray (District 116) and Joe DeStefano (District 3) as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who block crosswalks, aiming to protect pedestrian space and reduce danger at crossings. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 5623, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

A van traveling north collided with the rear of a flatbed truck on Brooklyn’s 6th Avenue. The impact injured a 65-year-old female passenger in the van, causing whole-body trauma and shock. Driver distraction contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, at 9:20 AM on 6th Avenue in Brooklyn, a van traveling north struck the center back end of a flatbed truck also moving north. The collision caused damage to the front of the van and the rear of the truck. A 65-year-old female passenger seated in the middle rear seat of the van suffered injuries to her entire body, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The report cites driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus on the road. No contributing factors were assigned to the injured passenger. The crash involved multiple vehicles, but the primary error was the van driver's lack of attention leading to a rear-end collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793347 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A 22-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and concussion after a collision involving a limo and a sedan in Brooklyn. The crash, marked by driver inexperience, left the driver in shock with serious injuries but no ejection from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 near 620 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The collision involved a 2016 limo and a 2017 sedan, both traveling east. The limo was parked before the crash, and impact occurred at the limo's left front bumper and the sedan's center front end. The 22-year-old male driver of the sedan, who was wearing a lap belt, sustained a head injury and concussion, resulting in shock. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver was not ejected from the vehicle. This incident highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792094 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 19-year-old bicyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries after a Mercedes SUV passed too closely on Union Street in Brooklyn. The driver’s improper passing and passenger distraction led to the collision. The cyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:50 AM on Union Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A Mercedes Benz SUV, occupied by two people, was parked before the crash but then passed the bicyclist improperly, striking the cyclist on the right side doors. The bicyclist, a 19-year-old male, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Passing Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper," with an additional factor of "Passenger Distraction." The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. The cyclist was unhelmeted, but no victim behavior was cited as contributing. The vehicle damage was reported as none, indicating the impact was likely from close contact rather than a high-speed collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senator Gounardes calls for a new tax to save the subway. Riders face crumbling platforms and broken trust. The MTA pleads for billions to repair old lines. Critics demand audits, not taxes. The system teeters. Riders wait. Danger grows.

On February 6, 2025, the council debated funding for the MTA’s $65 billion capital plan. The matter, titled 'To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust,' highlights deep public frustration. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, argued for a new tax to prevent the transit system’s collapse, stating, 'they're going to be a lot more frustrated when the transit system simply falls apart.' The debate included calls for audits and cost reductions from Rep. Mike Lawler, while MTA Chair Janno Lieber promised to prioritize repairs over expansion. The committee has not yet voted. Riders voiced anger over high fares and little visible improvement. The debate exposes years of deferred maintenance and political neglect, leaving vulnerable New Yorkers at risk as the city’s transit backbone erodes.

• To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust, gothamist.com, Published 2025-02-06

A 39-year-old man crossing Prospect Place with the signal was struck by a westbound sedan. The vehicle’s left front bumper impacted the pedestrian, causing a hip and upper leg contusion. Driver inattention was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Prospect Place in Brooklyn at 10:31 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a westbound sedan struck him on the left front bumper, impacting his hip and upper leg. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, repeated twice, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain focus. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers wrangle over how to fund the MTA’s crumbling system. Assemblymember Robert Carroll pushes for a higher congestion toll, putting it above his own delivery fee plan. Albany stalls. Riders wait. Infrastructure ages. Danger grows for those outside cars.

On January 31, 2025, the New York City Council debated MTA funding options. Assemblymember Robert Carroll (District 44) voiced support for increasing the congestion toll, stating it should come before his earlier $3 delivery fee proposal. The debate, covered in the article '5 ways the MTA could get the money it needs to fix aging infrastructure,' highlights the lack of consensus among lawmakers. Governor Hochul’s budget falls short. Senate and Assembly leaders have not chosen a revenue source. Carroll’s stance: 'increasing the congestion toll should come first.' Other options—taxing the rich, payroll tax hikes, vice taxes—face resistance. MTA Chair Janno Lieber urges focus on repairs, not expansion. No direct safety analysis was provided, but the delay in funding leaves vulnerable road users exposed to the risks of failing infrastructure.

• 5 ways the MTA could get the money it needs to fix aging infrastructure, gothamist.com, Published 2025-01-31

A motorscooter driver in Brooklyn suffered injuries after rear-ending a stopped vehicle on Flatbush Avenue. The rider was ejected and sustained abrasions and arm injuries. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:17 PM. The motorscooter, traveling south, struck the center back end of a stopped vehicle. The sole occupant, a 44-year-old female driver wearing a helmet, was ejected from the scooter and sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. The vehicle struck showed no damage and had no occupants. The driver of the motorscooter was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790031 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Speed cameras slash reckless driving. At school zones, speeding drops 94 percent. But the program expires soon. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez urges Albany to act. State Sen. Gounardes backs expansion. Cameras save lives. Delay risks more deaths. Lawmakers hold the key.

Bill to reauthorize New York City's speed camera program is pending in Albany. The program, covering 750 school zones, needs state approval before June. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls speed cameras 'one of the most effective tools' to stop deadly driving. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the last reauthorization, says, 'my bill to expand the speed camera program has saved lives.' The city wants stronger penalties for repeat offenders and action on license plate fraud, which lets millions of violations go unpunished. The report shows cameras cut speeding by 94 percent and reduce injuries and deaths. The program faces political hurdles, but the evidence is clear: speed cameras protect people on foot and bike. Lawmakers must decide whether to keep this life-saving tool.

• DOT to Albany: Don’t Forget to Reauthorize Our Life-Saving Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-24

Assembly Bill 2716 would force new cars to obey speed limits. The law targets vehicles made or assembled after January 1, 2030. Sponsor: Robert C. Carroll. No safety review yet. The streets wait.

Assembly Bill A 2716, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly as of January 22, 2025. The bill 'mandates the use of intelligent speed assistance systems in certain motor vehicles registered in the state which were manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 2030.' Assembly Member Robert C. Carroll (District 44) sponsors the measure. No committee action or votes yet. No formal safety analyst review has been filed. The bill aims to keep cars from breaking speed limits. Vulnerable road users stand to gain, but the impact remains unmeasured.

• File A 2716, Open States, Published 2025-01-22

Senator Gounardes pushes S 2504. The bill hikes fines for repeat speed camera violations. It targets reckless drivers. The aim: slow cars, save lives. No direct safety impact noted yet.

Senate bill S 2504 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' No committee referral or vote has occurred yet. Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. There is no formal safety analyst note on the impact for vulnerable road users at this stage.

• File S 2504, Open States, Published 2025-01-21